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

Much of this waste is because avocados are such a difficult-to-manage fresh produce item, leading to high rates of household waste and consumer dissatisfaction with quality and shelf life. —Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

In Ventura County, California, northwest of Los Angeles, Lisa Tate manages her family business that grows citrus fruits, avocados and coffee on eight ranches and 800 acres (323 hectares). —Corey Williams, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025

In fact, today’s cantaloupes often don’t produce a natural element known as ethylene, which is commonly found in fruits that do ripen after they’re picked like bananas, peaches, pears, or avocados. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 28 Aug. 2025

Don't skip the fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 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