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

Theobromine comes mainly from cocoa products and, to a lesser extent, coffee, so participants with higher levels in their blood likely consumed more cocoa-containing foods or drinks, though the research was observational and didn’t track what participants ate. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025

The levies came on top of further headwinds such as a strong Swiss franc and skyrocketing cocoa prices. —Elsa Ohlen,carolin Roth, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2025

The Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream is intensely moisturizing yet fast-absorbing, packed with nourishing argan oil, plumping hyaluronic acid, smoothing squalane, and a rich blend of cocoa and shea butters that leave skin incredibly soft. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 12 Dec. 2025

Although the study participants consumed a cocoa beverage, this is not necessarily the best option for heart health benefits. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 11 Dec. 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