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

That top is sprinkled with flaked salt and cocoa nibs for a welcome touch of crunch. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, and stir to combine. —Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 31 July 2025

It was aged in bourbon barrels and then flavored with cocoa nibs, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, and dates. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 July 2025

The company's key reason for this request was practical hurdles in implementing the regulation, especially at a time when the industry is facing high cocoa prices. —Simi Thambi​, Forbes.com, 25 July 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