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

To figure out what specifically drives great chocolate flavor, David Gopaulchan and his colleagues monitored fermentations on three Colombian cocoa farms. —New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025

To prepare frosting, place butter, cocoa, and salt in a large bowl. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025

This could mean opting for non-cocoa items or grabbing a treat with filler that is not 100% cocoa. —Liz Regalia, Parents, 17 Oct. 2025

Use unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 17 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