kohl

Kohl is a term with multiple meanings. In German, kohl means cabbage and appears in the names of related vegetables and dishes. In English usage, it is a surname. The term is also associated with a U.S. department store chain named Kohl's and with a traditional eye cosmetic commonly spelled kohl or kajal.

Kohl refers to a long‑standing eye cosmetic used to darken the eyelids. It originated in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia and has been made from soot, ground minerals, or other substances. In earlier times some formulations contained lead sulfide, which posed health risks. Modern products are typically mineral‑ or pigment‑based and are regulated for consumer safety in many countries. Kohl may be applied along the upper and lower lash lines and has cultural significance in various communities.

Kohl's is an American department store retailer founded in 1927 by Maxwell Kohl, initially as a grocery store and later expanding into department stores. The chain operates stores across the United States and is known for a discount retail format and its store promotions and loyalty program.

Helmut Kohl (1930–2017) was a German statesman who served as Chancellor of Germany from 1982 to 1998. He played a central role in German reunification and in shaping European integration during the late 20th century.

Kohlrabi, a cultivar of cabbage, gets its name from the German words for cabbage (kohl) and turnip (rabi).