cocoa

noun

co·​coa ˈkō-(ˌ)kō 

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

: cacao sense 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

Hanukkah is coming to an end and Christmas is right around the corner, which means more time for settling down with your family for a steaming hot cup of cocoa and a good movie or show (or both). —Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025

Omega-3–rich foods like salmon and walnuts may also help regulate appetite by improving gut–brain signaling, while dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa can promote fullness by slowing digestion and triggering satiety hormones, StudyFinds reported. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025

Stacked with three layers of decadent chocolatey-nut goodness—a cocoa-bourbon shortbread crust, gooey chocolate-bourbon filling, and a crunchy-sweet nutty topping—they're a luscious cross between pecan pie and brownies. —Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2025

High cocoa prices and the price of tin have forced Detroit’s beloved Better Made Snack Foods to forgo making one of its popular holiday chip products this year. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish cacao

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cocoa

• cocoa bean
• cocoa butter
• hot cocoa

Rhymes for cocoa

• koko
• loco
• poco
• sirocco

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

: cacao sense 2

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