cocoa

noun

co·​coa ˈkō-(ˌ)kō 

1

a

: powdered ground roasted cacao beans from which a portion of the fat has been removed

b

: a beverage prepared by heating cocoa with water or milk

2

: cacao sense 2

3

: a medium brown color

Examples of cocoa in a Sentence

The recipe calls for three tablespoons of cocoa.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bright, medium-deep ruby red; aromas of cocoa powder, black currant, violet and a hint of blueberry. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

The intensity of the chocolate builds to a crescendo of cocoa, then subsides with a sip of milk. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025

And serious dark chocolate lovers can get as much as seven grams with 100% cocoa. —Audrey Bruno, SELF, 18 June 2025

Higher cocoa percentages mean more flavanols and less sugar. —Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 9 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish cacao

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cocoa

• cocoa bean
• cocoa butter
• hot cocoa

Rhymes for cocoa

• koko
• loco
• poco
• sirocco

Kids Definition

cocoa

noun

co·​coa ˈkō-kō 

1

: a cacao tree

2

a

: powdered ground cacao beans from which some of the fat has been removed

b

: a beverage made from heating cocoa with water or milk

Medical Definition

cocoa

noun

co·​coa ˈkō-(ˌ)kō 

1

: cacao sense 2

2

a

: powdered ground roasted cacao beans from which a portion of the fat has been removed

b

: a beverage prepared by heating powdered cocoa with water or milk