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

Even a tablespoon of olive oil or a few slices of avocado can improve absorption. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026

For breakfast, that means dishes like avocado toast topped with white miso avocado ($22), or chicken and waffles ($24), featuring Japanese karaage and dashi maple syrup. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 30 July 2026

The menu also has a chicken sandwich with avocado, lettuce and tomato dressed in sour cream and onion sauce. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026

The genetic evidence suggests avocados’ ancestors picked the habit up about 40 million years ago. — Jeanne Timmons, Scientific American, 29 July 2026

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