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 chocolate cake layers, made with coffee, bittersweet chocolate, cocoa, and mayonnaise, are like a cross between a devil's food cake and a chocolate mayonnaise cake. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026

Dimensional cocoa is a sleek, stylish brunette for those who prefer to conjure spring in Milan or Copenhagen. —Loren Savini, Allure, 14 Feb. 2026

Still, Osakabe noted that previous long-term human studies on cocoa flavanols have suggested cardiovascular and cognitive benefits. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026

While cocoa prices have risen dramatically in recent years, a box of chocolates may still be a relatively economical way to navigate Valentine’s Day. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 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