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

It can be made either with dairy milk or non-dairy alternatives, such as coconut, oat, or almond milk. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2025

What makes Lane Cake stand out from other layer cakes are the powerful flavors in the filling—bourbon, pecans, and coconut, with the bright unapologetic display of maraschino cherries. —Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2025

When adding the butter and vanilla, also add about 1 ½ cups shredded coconut. —Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 16 Dec. 2025

Actor, mother of four, and Blake Brown founder Blake Lively doesn’t have a standard gifting equation (see the Tom Cruise coconut cake). —Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 15 Dec. 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