chocolate

noun

choc·​o·​late ˈchä-k(ə-)lət How to pronounce chocolate (audio) ˈchȯ- How to pronounce chocolate (audio)
Synonyms of chocolatenext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That chocolate fudge brownies good. Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 June 2026 Designed for sharing and connection at the table, the Big Night Out experience includes cheese fondue paired with artisan breads and fresh dippers, a salad course, premium entrée fondue and a chocolate fondue finale served with sweet treats and fresh fruit. Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026 Save room for the chocolate crumble cheesecake bar or salted caramel brownies. Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026 The cafe serves specialty cookies, with flavors like miso brown butter, matcha yuzu almond and Valrhona chocolate chip. Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for chocolate

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of chocolate was in 1604

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chocolate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chocolate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

chocolate

noun
choc·​o·​late ˈchäk-(ə-)lət How to pronounce chocolate (audio) ˈchȯk- How to pronounce chocolate (audio)
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
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