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

Customers can order $5 fish tacos, the $10 New England-style poutine with clam chowder, bacon, two types of cheeses, fries and clams, $10 coconut chicken strips and an $11 smash burger. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

Half cookie, half candy, these coconut cuties are sweet, chewy, and easy to make. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026

The more virtuous may prefer the nonalcoholic Easter Egg Hunt mocktail, a mix of strawberry, coconut, pineapple, orange and butterfly pea tea ($12). —Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026

Laced with ginger, lime and fish sauce, this weeknight-easy recipe is a version of tom kha goong, a brothy, aromatic coconut soup. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 1 Apr. 2026

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