kaleEnglishOxford Dictionary of Englishkale /keɪl / (also kail) ▸ noun [mass noun] 1 a hardy cabbage of a variety which produces erect stems with large leaves and no compact head. See also curly kale:use greens like spinach, kale, and chard as a base for salads. 2 North American English informal, dated money. – ORIGIN Middle English: northern English form of cole.