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 nutty brown butter complements rich cocoa and bittersweet chocolate, creating an impressively complex flavor. —The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Jan. 2026

Along with the trail layouts, the event also offered family-friendly fun with arts and crafts with Pullman rangers and free cocoa for kids at the Pullman Club Coffee shop. —Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026

Brewed with local Admiral Maltings barley, its aroma is warm toast, and the flavors include cocoa, gentle coffee beans, and malty goodness. —Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025

One look at Hailee Steinfeld's cocoa lengths reflects aspirational hair health. —Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 30 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