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

Constructed from solid wood with a warm cocoa brown finish, this piece features classic proportions that work beautifully in both contemporary and traditional bedrooms. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2026

Add the cocoa powder to the remaining batter in the bowl and whisk slowly until smooth and evenly combined. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

The traditional vanilla creme filling turns a bright orange, tinted with annatto rather than artificial dye, and the crunchy cocoa cookies are carved to look like little jack-o’-lanterns. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 8 Oct. 2026

Two very different brothers, Richard and George Cadbury, find themselves in charge of their family’s failing cocoa business. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 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