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

This 15-year-old West Coast chain is named for founder Scott Slater’s 1/3-pound, half-beef/half-ground-bacon burger, topped with fried egg, mashed avocado, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo on a brioche bun. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2024

El Rio Grande Latin Market broke the record after setting up an avocado display that weighed in at a whopping 86,764 pounds. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 13 May 2024

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

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