slaw

American  

[slaw] / slɔ /

noun

1. coleslaw.

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slaw British  

/ slɔː /

noun

1. short for coleslaw

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Usage

What is slaw? Slaw is a cold salad commonly made from sliced or chopped raw vegetables, especially cabbage or carrots, mixed with a dressing made with mayonnaise or vinegar. It often includes other seasonings and ingredients, such as onions and apples. The word coleslaw can be used to mean the same thing (and slaw is often short for coleslaw). However, coleslaw typically refers to the kind made with cabbage, while slaw can refer to varieties made without cabbage, such as carrot slaw. Slaw is most commonly served as a side dish, such as for barbecue, or a topping, such as for sandwiches. In the U. S., it’s associated with cookouts and picnics and known as a common side dish at some restaurants. Example: My mom makes a tasty slaw with carrots and onions. 

Etymology

Origin of slaw

1860–65, < Dutch sla, short for salade salad

Explanation

Slaw is a kind of salad made from raw chopped or shredded cabbage. You might want to put some slaw in your picnic basket to eat with the sandwiches and potato chips. Slaw is shorthand for coleslaw, a side dish or salad that always includes cabbage and sometimes other shredded vegetables. Some slaw is dressed with vinaigrette and other types have a creamy or mayonnaise-based dressing. Many different cultures have versions of slaw, like the one in Germany called Krautsalat that includes apples and onions. Slaw comes from the Dutch sla, short for salade, or "salad."

Example Sentences

Freezer meals get a little lift from something fresh: a side salad, a quick slaw, a scattering of herbs, a drizzle of sauce.

From Salon • Sep. 9, 2025

As word of mouth spread curious customers lined up for meals that included two tenders with fries, slaw and slices of white bread, nearly identical to what the chain offers today.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 15, 2025

A spicy, yellow dollop of cabbage slaw became Tennessee’s first official state food — then everyone had to learn what it was.

From New York Times • May 18, 2024

The eatery boasts a Maple Smokehouse Tomahawk Pork Chop and Ham & Beans with cole slaw — verbatim from the menu.

From Washington Times • Dec. 10, 2023

Then she called out to Aunt Puss: “Catfish and fried potatoes and onions, vinegar slaw, and a pickled peach apiece. And more of the same for your supper.”

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck