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

From tropical fruits, including 23 cultivars of avocado and 65 varieties of mango, to flowering plants, trees, and more, you’ll be inspired to rework your garden at home. —Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2025

At Lotus, the dinner menu always highlighted a superb selection of sushi, such as tai snapper umaki roll with avocado, cucumber, and pickled daikon, as well as outstanding small plates and snacks. —Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025

Meanwhile, shea butter, squalane, and avocado extract deeply nourish for a plumper, healthier-looking finish. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Oct. 2025

Your hands will also feel soft after using these soaps, because they’re infused with olive oil and avocado for extra moisture. —Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025

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