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

The Javanese treat gets rolled in shredded coconut and drenched in palm sugar syrup (though maple syrup makes a suitable substitute). —Kat Lieu, Saveur, 6 Aug. 2025

Since 1946, the business has been cranking tamales out for loyal customers who know well the pleasures of the toothsome and handmade red pork, spicy green pork, and even sweet varieties of the traditional dish (that last one has raisins, nuts, coconut and pineapple). —The Denver Post, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025

Miso Sea Bass Yield: 2 large servings or 4 small servings INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup white miso paste 1 teaspoon coconut sugar 1/2 teaspoon pink salt 2 tablespoons agave syrup 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil Two 8-ounce portions boneless, skinless Chilean sea bass DIRECTIONS 1. —Cathy Thomas, Mercury News, 30 July 2025

Uncle Fluffy also sells hand tarts (cheese, chocolate, coconut, espresso, strawberry and more), mochi and macarons, as well as matcha, coffee drinks and smoothies. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 28 July 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