cocoa

noun co·coa \ ˈkō-(ˌ)kō \

Updated on: 2 Apr 2018

Definition of cocoa

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 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

Roughly, more than 800 hectares (1,975 acres) of cocoa has been cut.

— Washington Post, "World’s top cocoa producers fight to protect forests," 29 Mar. 2018
Morning Start your day with cup of cocoa from Butler's.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "A 24-Hour Guide to Cork, Ireland," 27 Mar. 2018
But the recent change in sentiment came as market participants cut expectations for a big oversupply of cocoa.

— david hodari, WSJ, "Hot Cocoa: Chocolate Ingredient Soars—and Could Go Higher," 20 Mar. 2018
Suri said first-time customers are happy to spend $10 on a shake and $7 on a cup of cocoa just for the experience.

— pam kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Famed Unicorn shake shop opens Saturday in Del Mar," 13 Mar. 2018
Alongside generous helpings of hot cocoa and pageantry, good vibes were ladled throughout Saturday night’s 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, the first-ever outdoor game hosted by a service academy.

— alex prewitt, SI.com, "Capitals Ride The Good Vibes in Stadium Series Win Over Maple Leafs," 4 Mar. 2018
For a recent Chanel party in Los Angeles, Ava opted for a soft, rosy look that featured a diffused cat eye in a smoky shade of matte cocoa.

— karina hoshikawa, Teen Vogue, "Ava Phillippe Wears Pink Lipstick at Chanel's "We Love Coco" Party," 1 Mar. 2018
In 1946, pastry maker Pietro Ferrero created a thick paste out of hazelnuts and sugar with a touch of cocoa called Giandujot.

— mahita gajanan, Time, "5 Nutella Recipes That Will Make You Say 'Peanut Butter Who?'," 5 Feb. 2018
Pietro Ferrero, a pastry maker from Piedmont, Italy, created a sweet paste made with hazelnuts, sugar and just a bit of the expensive cocoa.

— milwaukee, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Cocoa tax led to creation of Nutella," 2 Feb. 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1730

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

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COCOA Defined for English Language Learners

cocoa

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

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