avocado

noun

av·​o·​ca·​do ˌä-və-ˈkä-(ˌ)dō  ˌa- 

plural avocados also avocadoes

1

: a pulpy green- to purple-skinned nutty-flavored fruit of any of various tropical American trees (genus Persea especially P. americana) of the laurel family

also : a tree bearing avocados

2

: a light yellowish green

Illustration of avocado

• avocado 1

Examples of avocado in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

How To Tell If An Avocado Is Underripe All avocados are hard when underripe and have an underdeveloped flavor. —Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026

There are tender chunks of organic rotisserie chicken, Little Gem lettuce, tiny garlicky croutons, avocado, parm, and a light coating of Caesar dressing (in addition to the cup on the side), in a grain-free Coyotas tortilla wrap. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026

Global, modern-day treats like avocado and chocolate originated in the region as well. —Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026

Other bowls include falafel crunch, spicy lamb and avocado, chicken and rice and steak and harissa. —Connie Ogle april 25, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish aguacate, from Nahuatl āhuacatl avocado, testicle

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing avocado

• avocado pear
• avocado toast

Rhymes for avocado

• desperado
• adelantado
• bravado
• machado
• mikado
• incommunicado

Kids Definition

avocado

noun

av·​o·​ca·​do ˌav-ə-ˈkäd-ō  ˌäv- 

plural avocados also avocadoes

: the usually green pear-shaped edible fruit of a tropical American tree that has a rich oily flesh

also : the tree that bears this fruit