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 coconut frosting, speckled with coconut flakes, was the best part. —Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026

Flavor the tangy, no-bake filling with crushed pineapple, sweetened coconut flakes, and a splash of rum. —Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026

Lunches are generally served family-style, and dinners are a mixture of al la carte, a fine dining tasting menu and a Tanzanian meal of mtori green banana soup and maharage ya nazi coconut bean stew shared with staff. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026

Food and Drug Administration The FDA listed more than 40 flavors of ice cream and sherbet that are subject to recall, including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, banana, mango, rocky road and coconut pineapple, along with seasonal flavors such as eggnog and pumpkin. —Tim Fang, CBS News, 24 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