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

Unsweetened cocoa powder is mixed with sugar, then added to hot milk or water. —Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 30 Jan. 2026

Mocha Mousse was Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year, and cocoa browns are clearly here to stay. —Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026

Research suggests that dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content may help reduce negative feelings, such as stress or irritability, rather than increasing positive mood. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2026

While most vanilla scents wear sugary on my skin, Dave’s blend of tonka bean, cocoa shell, and neroli create an elevated, complex take on the typically saccharine profile. —Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 28 Jan. 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
• 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