cocoa

noun

co·​coa ˈkō-(ˌ)kō 

1

a

: powdered ground roasted cacao beans from which a portion of the fat has been removed

b

: a beverage prepared by heating cocoa with water or milk

2

: cacao sense 2

3

: a medium brown color

Examples of cocoa in a Sentence

The recipe calls for three tablespoons of cocoa.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some gingerbread has been served with lemon sauce, or incorporated the zest of an orange or a little cocoa. — Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 2 July 2026

White chocolate chips, meanwhile, usually contain cocoa butter but no cocoa solids. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2026

The assortment boasts eight shades (a rosy-pink, cocoa-brown and tan/beige with a matte finish plus another five with a shimmer finish) that light up any eye look. — Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

This one contains prickly pear seed oil and cocoa seed butter to provide intense hydration, while repairing dryness and split ends. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 29 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish cacao

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cocoa

• cocoa bean
• cocoa butter
• hot cocoa

Rhymes for cocoa

• koko
• loco
• poco

Kids Definition

cocoa

noun

co·​coa ˈkō-kō 

1

: a cacao tree

2

a

: powdered ground cacao beans from which some of the fat has been removed

b

: a beverage made from heating cocoa with water or milk

Medical Definition

cocoa

noun

co·​coa ˈkō-(ˌ)kō 

1

: cacao sense 2

2

a

: powdered ground roasted cacao beans from which a portion of the fat has been removed

b

: a beverage prepared by heating powdered cocoa with water or milk