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

An ounce of dark chocolate with 60% to 70% cocoa provides about 55 milligrams. — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 31 Aug. 2026

Plush tannins support flavors of cocoa powder, black licorice, cassis, and the sensation of the famous Rutherford dust in the lingering finish. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026

Make a collagen-rich hot chocolate by mixing collagen peptides with milk, cocoa, and a sweetener of your choice. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 27 Aug. 2026

Chocolate chips are always welcome, but this Chocolate Banana Bread goes a step further by folding unsweetened cocoa powder directly into the batter. — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026

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

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