cocoa

noun

co·​coa ˈkō-(ˌ)kō How to pronounce cocoa (audio)
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
3
: a medium brown color

Examples of cocoa in a Sentence

The recipe calls for three tablespoons of cocoa.
Recent Examples on the Web Chocolate Some people swear by using dark chocolate while others think simply adding in some cocoa powder does the trick. The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 The hotel can also set up celebratory excursions, like tours of cocoa estates, rum distilleries, or even set up a rum tasting. Juliet Izon, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2024 Climate issues in West Africa – home to more than 60% of global cocoa production – are damaging crop yields, constraining cocoa supply and causing prices to soar. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 13 Feb. 2024 In a food processor, combine mashed beans, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, salt and peanut butter. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 10 Feb. 2024 The innocuous, feel-good singer emerged from country music two decades ago and for much of her career was embraced by middle America as a wholesome, safe alternative to Beyoncé and other leading ladies who don’t resemble the Swiss Miss cocoa girl. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2024 This heavenly sponge cake can be made with the basic recipe or enhanced with lemon extract or cocoa. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2024 Chocolate syrups all have the same basic ingredients: sugar, cocoa and water. Jolene Thym, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2024 The food depicted on the table includes African rice, breadfruit, catfish, chicken, cocoa, custard apple and soursop. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cocoa.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish cacao

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cocoa was in 1730

Dictionary Entries Near cocoa

Cite this Entry

“Cocoa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocoa. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cocoa

noun
co·​coa ˈkō-kō How to pronounce cocoa (audio)
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 How to pronounce cocoa (audio)
1
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

More from Merriam-Webster on cocoa

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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