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

Evergreen subtropical fruit trees like citrus, guava and avocado don’t need to be pruned the same way as stone fruits. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025

Other potassium-rich foods, such as avocados and broccoli, could also manage blood pressure. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 5 Dec. 2025

Add avocado to everything from sandwiches, wraps, and salads to tacos, smoothies, and baked goods. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 5 Dec. 2025

Chocolate, onions, garlic, artificial sweeteners, avocados, grapes and bread dough are also toxic to raccoons. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 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