coconut

noun

co·​co·​nut ˈkō-kə-(ˌ)nət 

1

: the drupaceous fruit of the coconut palm whose outer fibrous husk yields coir and whose nut contains thick edible meat and, in the fresh fruit, a clear liquid (see coconut water)

2

: the edible meat of the coconut

Examples of coconut in a Sentence

The pastry is covered with shredded coconut.

Recent Examples on the Web

Order their Cheeseburger in Paradise — which is, of course, a cocktail — with rum, gin, citrus, pineapple and coconut. — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026

South India is the scent of frangipani and coffee, bushels of bananas and coconuts, women with gold nose rings and hair braided with jasmine and mustachioed men in pink with hands on hips. — Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026

While terracotta pots and baskets lined with coconut coir have their uses, these types of containers dry out much faster and will need careful management to ensure plants don't wither away. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026

Update your entrance with this durable mat made from the fibers of coconut husks. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing coconut

• coconut crab
• coconut milk
• coconut oil
• coconut palm
• coconut shy
• coconut water

Rhymes for coconut

• butternut
• cocoanut
• hazelnut
• undercut
• abut
• catgut
• chesnut
• chestnut
• donut
• doughnut
• groundnut
• haircut

Kids Definition

coconut

noun

co·​co·​nut ˈkō-kə-(ˌ)nət 

: the large egg-shaped husk-covered fruit of the coconut palm

Medical Definition

coconut

noun

co·​co·​nut ˈkō-kə-(ˌ)nət 

1

: the fruit of the coconut palm having an outer fibrous husk with a nut containing thick edible meat and coconut milk

2

: the edible meat of the coconut