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 Swiss group is pushing for more imports of sustainable cocoa. —Noël Fletcher, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Other chocolate cakes use cocoa powder or darker chocolate for a more intense flavor profile. —Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024

Meanwhile, the chocolate iteration has almond milk, almond butter, keto protein blend, cocoa and stevia. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024

The flavor is rich and fudgy, with just a hint of bitterness from the cocoa. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024

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

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