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

In something like Chocolate Sheet Cake With Brown Butter Frosting, vanilla extract underpins the deep flavors of the cocoa while enhancing the nutty flavor of the frosting. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025

Chocolate High cocoa prices forced candy makers like Hershey’s to charge more for nearly all of their chocolate this year. —Jarrod Barry, NBC news, 9 Oct. 2025

The frozen cocoa-hazelnut treat is set to be in convenience stores in December, with broader retail distribution planned for spring 2026. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025

The classic flavor of Barnie’s Santa’s White Christmas coffee delightfully mixed with cocoa espresso flakes. —Michelle Spitzer, USA Today, 8 Oct. 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