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

Don’t leave without a treatment at the Jade Spa, which uses local ingredients like almond oil, raw cocoa, and fresh coconut milk. —Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026

The study was part of a large trial designed to show whether cocoa extract or multivitamins reduce the risk of developing cancer and heart disease. —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026

The study was part of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), a large Brigham and Women’s Hospital trial designed to show whether cocoa extract and/or multivitamins reduce the risk of developing cancer and heart disease. —Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026

Some cocoa producers elsewhere in the world — South America and Asia — have improved their supply but West Africa still makes up the bulk of production. —Edward Acquah, Fortune, 9 Mar. 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