avocado

noun

av·​o·​ca·​do ˌä-və-ˈkä-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce avocado (audio) ˌa- How to pronounce avocado (audio)
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

Illustration of avocado
  • avocado 1

Examples of avocado in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Menus emphasizing local ingredients, like Norman’s in Florida, which transforms avocado, plantains, and seafood into an elegant tasting menu, continue to be popular. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 Remove the lid, sprinkle with salt, pepper, cotija, avocado, jalapeño and cilantro. Emily Weinstein, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 It’s formulated with hydrating avocado and chia seed oil, as well as vitamin-rich kiwi and spinach, which work together to soften, strengthen, and protect your locks. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 Expert Tip: Pick between three scent options: avocado, aloe vera, or rosemary. Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2024 The restaurant’s dosas are the length of a child’s arm and served traditional or fusion-style with fillings like avocado, chili cheese and golden corn. John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2024 It's also infused with several natural ingredients, like avocado, sunflower seed oil, and chamomile. Ambrosia V. Brody, Parents, 20 Feb. 2024 The special menu includes a green salad featuring arugula, baby spinach, radishes, endives, onions, poached peppers, avocado, cucumbers and grape tomatoes, matzo ball soup and braised fish with asparagus risotto and edamame puree. Roger Sands, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Lewis’ version, which also features creamy slices of avocado sandwiched between the bakes, was often served at family brunches during her childhood in South London. Lelani Lewis, Saveur, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'avocado.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish aguacate, from Nahuatl āhuacatl avocado, testicle

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of avocado was in 1696

Dictionary Entries Near avocado

Cite this Entry

“Avocado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avocado. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

avocado

noun
av·​o·​ca·​do ˌav-ə-ˈkäd-ō How to pronounce avocado (audio) ˌäv- How to pronounce avocado (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on avocado

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