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

The nourishing blend features argan oil, plumping hyaluronic acid, smoothing squalane, and rich cocoa and shea butters to leave skin feeling incredibly soft. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 22 Feb. 2026

Chalet, a rich cocoa truffle accented by plush plum and champagne bubbles, is one of the line’s many standouts. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 Feb. 2026

Allow this to cool for 5 minutes, then whisk in unsweetened cocoa powder, crème de cassis liqueur, and pure vanilla extract. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Feb. 2026

Or, use it as an ingredient in a a morning protein shake with berries, banana, protein powder, and cocoa powder. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 21 Feb. 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
• 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