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

Eating avocados improves gut health and digestion. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 16 Mar. 2026

If avocados aren’t quite in season, the chefs will add more salt to bring out their flavor in the guacamole. —Natalie Hoy, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026

Wohlford owns his family’s avocado and citrus grove on the outskirts of Escondido, a patrimony passed down to him through the generations. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

Wisps of cheddar covered a salad of celery hearts and avocado, cut so that the forms were indistinguishable until the ingredients reached the taste buds. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 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