avocado

noun

av·​o·​ca·​do ˌä-və-ˈkä-(ˌ)dō  ˌa- 

plural avocados also avocadoes

1

: a pulpy green- to purple-skinned nutty-flavored fruit of any of various tropical American trees (genus Persea especially P. americana) of the laurel family

also : a tree bearing avocados

2

: a light yellowish green

Illustration of avocado

• avocado 1

Examples of avocado in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Top the salad with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and serve alongside crusty bread. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026

From behind a bar near the entrance, employees slice and dice Haas avocados into share-size molcajetes. — Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

Research suggests avocado helps improve lipid profiles and supports a healthier weight and body composition. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 19 Aug. 2026

Whole Avocados Whole avocados turn brown and mushy when thawed. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish aguacate, from Nahuatl āhuacatl avocado, testicle

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing avocado

• avocado pear
• avocado toast

Rhymes for avocado

• desperado
• adelantado
• bravado
• machado
• mikado
• incommunicado

Kids Definition

avocado

noun

av·​o·​ca·​do ˌav-ə-ˈkäd-ō  ˌäv- 

plural avocados also avocadoes

: the usually green pear-shaped edible fruit of a tropical American tree that has a rich oily flesh

also : the tree that bears this fruit