1
a
: powdered ground roasted cacao beans from which a portion of the fat has been removed
b
: a beverage prepared by heating cocoa with water or milk
2
3
: a medium brown color
Examples of cocoa in a Sentence
The recipe calls for three tablespoons of cocoa.
Recent Examples on the Web
The tiramisu, for example, is stuffed with actual fluffy tiramisu and covered with an espresso glaze and cocoa dust.
—
Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2023
The sofa features full-grain pure-aniline leather in the cognac tan and cocoa brown shades and semi-aniline leather in the midnight blue and onyx black shades.
—Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 22 Sep. 2023
Researchers say bananas are still a great fruit to be eaten on the side, or added to smoothies that don't have flavanol-rich ingredients such as berries, grapes and cocoa.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 20 Sep. 2023
The economy is primarily dependent on exports of raw materials like cocoa, oil and gold, which peak and swoop in price.
—Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2023
The luxe part of this scent hails from the light touch of florals, velvety cocoa shell, fresh amyris, and a creamy milk blend.
—Lily Wohlner, Women's Health, 9 Aug. 2023
Total Time: Cal/Serv: 208 Ingredients Nonstick cooking spray 1 1/2 c.
all-purpose flour
3/4 c.
wheat bran
1/3 c.
unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
1 tsp.
—Joy Cho, Good Housekeeping, 8 Aug. 2023
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
—Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 30 July 2023
Add unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate frosting, and spices or citrus zest for more flavor.
—Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2023
See More
Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2023
The sofa features full-grain pure-aniline leather in the cognac tan and cocoa brown shades and semi-aniline leather in the midnight blue and onyx black shades.
—Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 22 Sep. 2023
Researchers say bananas are still a great fruit to be eaten on the side, or added to smoothies that don't have flavanol-rich ingredients such as berries, grapes and cocoa.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 20 Sep. 2023
The economy is primarily dependent on exports of raw materials like cocoa, oil and gold, which peak and swoop in price.
—Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2023
The luxe part of this scent hails from the light touch of florals, velvety cocoa shell, fresh amyris, and a creamy milk blend.
—Lily Wohlner, Women's Health, 9 Aug. 2023
Total Time: Cal/Serv: 208 Ingredients Nonstick cooking spray 1 1/2 c.
all-purpose flour
3/4 c.
wheat bran
1/3 c.
unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
1 tsp.
—Joy Cho, Good Housekeeping, 8 Aug. 2023
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
—Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 30 July 2023
Add unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate frosting, and spices or citrus zest for more flavor.
—Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cocoa.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
modification of Spanish cacao
First Known Use
1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing cocoa
Articles Related to cocoa
Dictionary Entries Near cocoa
Cite this Entry
“Cocoa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocoa. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.
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Kids Definition
cocoa
noun
co·coa
ˈkō-kō 
1
: a cacao tree
2
a
: powdered ground cacao beans from which some of the fat has been removed
b
: a beverage made from heating cocoa with water or milk
Medical Definition
cocoa
noun
co·coa
ˈkō-(ˌ)kō
1
2
a
: powdered ground roasted cacao beans from which a portion of the fat has been removed
b
: a beverage prepared by heating powdered cocoa with water or milk
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