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 easy dump cake is traditionally made with cocoa powder and mixed directly in the baking dish. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2025

Poor weather conditions have roiled the Ivory Coast and Ghana, which account for more than half of the world’s cocoa supply. —Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

Mocha Ice Cream Add ½ cup sifted cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025

Ermine frosting is snow white, unless flavored with something like cocoa powder or made with exceptionally yellow butter. —Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 27 July 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