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 deal especially benefits African agricultural exports like cocoa from Ivory Coast and Ghana, coffee from Kenya, and citrus from South Africa. —Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

The dates provide just enough sweetness to tame and enhance the chocolate while also letting the cocoa shine and show off its true colors. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026

Its brownish-red mahogany color is the result of the chemical reaction between buttermilk, baking soda, and cocoa. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026

Have an Occasional Sweet Treat Dark chocolate contains a fair amount of fiber due to the higher cocoa content. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 29 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