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

But the trending brown nail palette ranges from toasty, golden beige to deep cocoa to reddish cinnamon hues, all of which radiate effortless luxury and sophistication. —Vanessa Santos, Glamour, 6 Dec. 2025

The addition of cocoa powder in the cookie batter elevates this simple dough to a rich, chocolatey base. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025

The trip can also be paired with an after-dark northern lights hunt, which extends the journey up to 16 hours and includes warm cocoa and expert advice on spotting and photographing the aurora. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025

Other videos of the event showed her and her new husband spreading cocoa over their large tiramisu wedding cake and dancing the night away with their friends and family as the DJ played electronic music. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 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