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

Bottom-of-the-barrel cocoa powder. —Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026

It is comprised of 96 percent Cab and 4 percent Petit Verdot and has aromas of brown baking spices, cherry, and espresso with flavors of ripe blackberry, red plum, and a touch of cocoa in the finish. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026

The shortbread cookie crust is infused with rich cocoa and the nutty, gooey filling is finished off with a chocolate drizzle. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026

Falling cocoa prices have, paradoxically, led to falling profits for the world’s largest chocolate maker. —Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 17 Apr. 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