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
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.
Goin starts with gold and makes it into something more precious: say, as just one example, a salad of delicate, impossibly sweet lettuces paired with slices of firm, ripe avocado, moons of blood orange, new sugar snap peas and a light, fragrant, perfectly balanced basil-buttermilk dressing. Sam Sifton, New York Times, 18 May 2025 Cheese is an add-on, as are jalapenos, avocado and bacon. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025 Her Instagram page shows bright bowls of tofu scrambles with heirloom tomatoes, avocado and beet sauerkraut. Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025 The avocado business will generate cash for the city. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for avocado

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

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Cite this Entry

“Avocado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avocado. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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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