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

Made with cocoa or melted chocolate? —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025

And for true off-the-radar romance, the Central African island country of São Tomé and Príncipe, offers cocoa-scented rainforests, black-sand coves, and turtle-nesting sights. —Karin Jones, Travel + Leisure, 4 Sep. 2025

The addition of cocoa nibs and honey brings deep moisture, leaving hair softer and more manageable after each use. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 1 Sep. 2025

Colombian profiles layered with cocoa and plum. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 28 Aug. 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