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

Finish off Friendsgiving by wowing guests with a sweet treat from a box of chocolates. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026

Faria Bakery 3417 Broadway, Sacramento Pre-orders for chocolate pecan rye tarts, milk bread rolls, pumpkin pie and more are available on Faria Bakery’s website. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026

In the study, researchers put visible smudges of lipstick, chocolate or marker on their faces. — Andee Tagle, NPR, 10 Nov. 2026

Adding to the drama of her appearance, Harvey opted for a voluminous updo, piling her long chocolate brown locks atop her head, leaving out a combed-over, face-framing strand styled by Davontae’ Washington. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 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