coconut

noun

co·​co·​nut ˈkō-kə-(ˌ)nət 

1

: the drupaceous fruit of the coconut palm whose outer fibrous husk yields coir and whose nut contains thick edible meat and, in the fresh fruit, a clear liquid (see coconut water)

2

: the edible meat of the coconut

Examples of coconut in a Sentence

The pastry is covered with shredded coconut.

Recent Examples on the Web

Balancing flavors: If the coconut flavor overpowers your meal, mix it with a more neutral oil, like avocado or olive oil. —Health, 14 May 2025

The final cake is sweet and nutty with loads of texture thanks to pecans and coconut. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 14 May 2025

For example, Lora Hinkson from Barbados cherishes her mom's sweet bread, a Caribbean delicacy filled with coconut. —Maquita Peters, NPR, 11 May 2025

Lange also posted some of her film photography from the trip, including a sweet shot of her and O’Brien drinking from coconuts on the beach. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 9 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing coconut

• coconut crab
• coconut milk
• coconut oil
• coconut palm
• coconut shy
• coconut water

Rhymes for coconut

• butternut
• cocoanut
• hazelnut
• undercut
• abut
• catgut
• chesnut
• chestnut
• donut
• doughnut
• groundnut
• haircut

Kids Definition

coconut

noun

co·​co·​nut ˈkō-kə-(ˌ)nət 

: the large egg-shaped husk-covered fruit of the coconut palm

Medical Definition

coconut

noun

co·​co·​nut ˈkō-kə-(ˌ)nət 

1

: the fruit of the coconut palm having an outer fibrous husk with a nut containing thick edible meat and coconut milk

2

: the edible meat of the coconut