chocolate

noun

choc·​o·​late ˈchä-k(ə-)lət  ˈchȯ- 

1

: a food prepared from ground roasted cacao beans

The cake recipe calls for four squares of chocolate.

2

: a small candy with a center (such as a fondant) and a chocolate coating

gave her a box of chocolates

3

: a beverage made by mixing chocolate with water or milk

The boy stirred the chocolate before drinking it.

4

: a brownish gray

The bird's plumage was a shade of chocolate.

chocolate adjective

Examples of chocolate in a Sentence

The cake recipe calls for four squares of chocolate.

She gave me a box of chocolates for my birthday.

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s covered in chocolate icing and topped with chocolate sprinkles. — Sacbee.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Mix chocolate browns and olive greens with classic prints, like snakeskin and cheetah, for a unique pairing that won’t be overwhelming. — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026

For dessert, enjoy an assortment of chocolate truffles, mini lemon pie and mini tiramisu. — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026

The s’mores are a standout, featuring vanilla bean marshmallows and rich chocolate, neatly packaged in a kit that makes for an easy dessert while stargazing. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Nahuatl chocolātl, probably an alteration of eastern Nahuatl dialect chikolātl, from chikolli hook (probably used to refer to the beater used to mix chocolate with water) + ātl water, liquid

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing chocolate

• baker's chocolate
• baking chocolate
• chocolate-box
• chocolate chip cookie
• chocolate milk
• dark chocolate
• hot chocolate
• milk chocolate
• plain chocolate
• sweet chocolate
• white chocolate

Kids Definition

chocolate

noun

choc·​o·​late ˈchäk-(ə-)lət  ˈchȯk- 

1

: a beverage of chocolate in water or milk

2

: a food prepared from ground roasted cacao beans

3

: a candy made of or coated with chocolate

4

: a brownish gray

chocolate adjective