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

Not in our basket were some of the chain’s more fun and fancy items, which run the gamut from croissants to Belgian chocolate to high-quality burger patties, and a whole range of alcoholic beverages. —Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

Unsweetened cocoa powder is used to create the chocolate cake batter. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026

The glutinous rice dough balls are stuffed with surprising combinations like matcha, chocolate, red bean filling, fruit and meats. —Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026

Whether fans prefer them fresh, slightly stale or dipped in chocolate, those 2 billion marshmallow chicks and bunnies aren’t going anywhere. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 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