chocolate

noun

choc·​o·​late ˈchä-k(ə-)lət  ˈchȯ- 

1

: a food prepared from ground roasted cacao beans

The cake recipe calls for four squares of chocolate.

2

: a small candy with a center (such as a fondant) and a chocolate coating

gave her a box of chocolates

3

: a beverage made by mixing chocolate with water or milk

The boy stirred the chocolate before drinking it.

4

: a brownish gray

The bird's plumage was a shade of chocolate.

chocolate adjective

Examples of chocolate in a Sentence

The cake recipe calls for four squares of chocolate.

She gave me a box of chocolates for my birthday.

Recent Examples on the Web

There will also be a chocolate fondue station and dessert station (mini pastries, cookies, fruit). —Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026

The Oreo Cloud Latte combines espresso and whole milk with chocolate cookie swirl, and is finished with Marshmallow Cold Foam and cookie crumbles. —Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026

The neutral category spans earthen shades of chocolate brown, stone gray and taupe. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026

From providing turndown service to small touches such as an eye mask laid on the bed and small chocolates on the bedside table. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Nahuatl chocolātl, probably an alteration of eastern Nahuatl dialect chikolātl, from chikolli hook (probably used to refer to the beater used to mix chocolate with water) + ātl water, liquid

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing chocolate

• baker's chocolate
• baking chocolate
• chocolate-box
• chocolate chip cookie
• chocolate milk
• dark chocolate
• hot chocolate
• milk chocolate
• plain chocolate
• sweet chocolate
• white chocolate

Kids Definition

chocolate

noun

choc·​o·​late ˈchäk-(ə-)lət  ˈchȯk- 

1

: a beverage of chocolate in water or milk

2

: a food prepared from ground roasted cacao beans

3

: a candy made of or coated with chocolate

4

: a brownish gray

chocolate adjective