chocolate

noun

choc·​o·​late ˈchä-k(ə-)lət  ˈchȯ- 

1

: a food prepared from ground roasted cacao beans

The cake recipe calls for four squares of chocolate.

2

: a small candy with a center (such as a fondant) and a chocolate coating

gave her a box of chocolates

3

: a beverage made by mixing chocolate with water or milk

The boy stirred the chocolate before drinking it.

4

: a brownish gray

The bird's plumage was a shade of chocolate.

chocolate adjective

Examples of chocolate in a Sentence

The cake recipe calls for four squares of chocolate.

She gave me a box of chocolates for my birthday.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ahead, find our favorite chocolate brown suede pieces for fall, including boots, flats, and several fun ways to accessorize. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 13 Oct. 2026

Camper Women’s Milah Boot Fall’s color story is moving beyond the usual suspects, with earthy greens offering a welcome departure from chocolate brown and burgundy. — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

As the train pulls away from the station, Arabic coffee and chocolates are handed out, later followed by a snack box with two shawarma sandwiches, a cake and a bottle of water, all included in the ticket price. — Sophia Dyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

Dandelion Chocolate This one’s for the chocolate lovers who appreciate a little mythology lesson, too. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Nahuatl chocolātl, probably an alteration of eastern Nahuatl dialect chikolātl, from chikolli hook (probably used to refer to the beater used to mix chocolate with water) + ātl water, liquid

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing chocolate

• baker's chocolate
• baking chocolate
• chocolate-box
• chocolate chip cookie
• chocolate milk
• dark chocolate
• hot chocolate
• milk chocolate
• plain chocolate
• sweet chocolate
• white chocolate

Kids Definition

chocolate

noun

choc·​o·​late ˈchäk-(ə-)lət  ˈchȯk- 

1

: a beverage of chocolate in water or milk

2

: a food prepared from ground roasted cacao beans

3

: a candy made of or coated with chocolate

4

: a brownish gray

chocolate adjective