cocoa

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noun co·coa \ˈkō-(ˌ)kō\

Definition of cocoa

1a : powdered ground roasted cacao beans from which a portion of the fat has been removedb : a beverage prepared by heating cocoa with water or milk
2 : cacao 2
3 : a medium brown color

See cocoa defined for English-language learners

See cocoa defined for kids

Examples of cocoa in a Sentence

The recipe calls for three tablespoons of cocoa.

Recent Examples of cocoa from the Web

The powerful benefits come from cocoa flavanols, a compound known for its health benefits.

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "Science Says Eating Chocolate Every Day Is Good for Your Brain", 3 July 2017
Cool Icing: ▪ 1/2 c. melted margarine ▪ 4 T. cocoa▪ 2 T. flour ▪ 6 T. coke 1.

— rebecca hancock, star-telegram, "You’ll be a Yankee Doodle hit with these recipe selections", 27 June 2017
Grease 12-cup muffin tin with shortening, then lightly dust cocoa powder in each cup, making sure to shake the pan to coat all sides and bottoms of the cups.

— birmingham magazine, AL.com, "Learn to cook with cherries in dishes both sweet and savory", 23 June 2017
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder.

— birmingham magazine, AL.com, "Learn to cook with cherries in dishes both sweet and savory", 23 June 2017
In 2015, cocoa exports were up 80 percent from the previous year.

— emily matchar, Smithsonian, "Canadian Peaches and California Coffee: How Farmers Are Being Forced to Innovate in the Face of Climate Change", 21 June 2017
The complex flavor blossoms into a stew of raw cocoa, spiced vanilla, acorns, figs and spectacular flashes of peat.

— jim brucker, chicagotribune.com, "A taste of Russian wood in a new scotch from Ardbeg", 20 June 2017
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

— jill o'connor, sandiegouniontribune.com, "A cookbook for the love of cake", 19 June 2017
Whisk cornstarch and cocoa powder in a medium bowl until no lumps remain.

— chris morocco, Bon Appetit, "Gluten-Free Chocolate-Tahini Brownies", 19 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cocoa'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cocoa

modification of Spanish cacao

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First Known Use: 1730

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

COCOA Defined for English Language Learners

cocoa

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noun

Definition of cocoa for English Language Learners

: a brown powder made from roasted cocoa beans that is used to give a chocolate flavor to foods
: a hot drink of milk or water mixed with cocoa

COCOA Defined for Kids

cocoa

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noun co·coa \ˈkō-kō\

Definition of cocoa for Students

1 : a brown powder that is made from the roasted seeds (cocoa beans) of the cacao tree after some of its fat is removed and that is used to make chocolate
2 : a hot drink made from cocoa powder mixed with water or milk

Medical Dictionary

cocoa

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noun co·coa \ˈkō-(ˌ)kō\

Medical Definition of cocoa

1: cacao 2
2a: powdered ground roasted cacao beans from which a portion of the fat has been removedb: a beverage prepared by heating powdered cocoa with water or milk