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

One of the comments on Jessie James Decker’s video suggests rolling the cookies in shredded coconut, and my mom’s recipe also lists this as optional. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026

Just be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil before massaging it into sore spots. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026

Tacos, which include grouper and coconut shrimp, come with pineapple slaw, black bean and corn salsa, and chips. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026

Coconut Water Coconut water is an electrolyte-rich drink that comes from the inside of a coconut. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 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