caul

noun

ˈkȯl How to pronounce caul (audio)
1
: the large fatty omentum covering the intestines (as of a cow, sheep, or pig)
2
: the inner fetal membrane of higher vertebrates especially when covering the head at birth

Examples of caul in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yes, that was Mother in a nutshell, or a caul: an overemotional territory with no boundaries whatsoever. — Will Self, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 In this preparation, the ground-beef filling is wrapped in a delicate cabbage-leaf caul, and then braised in canned tomato soup. — Ruby Tandoh, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English calle net, omentum, probably from Old English cawl basket

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of caul was in the 14th century

Rhymes for caul

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“Caul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caul. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

caul

noun
ˈkȯl How to pronounce caul (audio)
1
: greater omentum
2
: the inner embryonic membrane of higher vertebrates especially when covering the head at birth

More from Merriam-Webster on caul

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about caul

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