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

The rich, fudgy brownie layer is made with Dutch-process cocoa powder for dark chocolate flavor, with extra chocolate chips folded in. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026

Rooms at the Villa Miloer have ethanol-burning fireplaces, potted orchids, and cocoa silk-tweed sofas with suede pillows. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026

From there, nutty chestnut, rich cocoa, and tart black currant add contrasting moody elements, while rose and bergamot add a sense of subtle freshness and flowering. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026

President Paul Biya’s shuffle of key army positions during a two-month absence from Cameroon has stoked fresh speculation about political stability in the cocoa and oil-producing nation. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026

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

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