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

At least 20 different types of pies are baked every day, from banana cream to coconut cream, from lemon meringue to mocha cappuccino. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 7 Mar. 2026

Dish soap is a staple in most kitchens thanks to its grease-fighting power and ability to clean up pretty much any mess from cheddar-cheese casseroles to chilis, or coconut cream pies. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

On the tea-time menu that Wednesday is Vazhakkai Bajji, green plantain slivers folded into spicy chickpea batter, deep-fried a crisp orange-brown and presented on a banana leaf with a coconut dipping chutney on the side. —Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026

Use nondairy cream or coconut milk instead of the heavy cream, though the coconut will lend a slightly different flavor. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 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