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

On the nose, experience baked strawberry, plum, and roasted nuts woven with cinnamon and rich cocoa. —Gege Reed, The Enquirer, 26 Dec. 2024

Judging Panel described this Finnish, Sherry matured single malt whiskey as expressing: A luscious bouquet of rich caramel, butterscotch, cocoa, and pears. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

The powdered mixture typically contains cocoa, sugar, powdered milk, and flavoring. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024

Her parents folded down the back seats of their car and slid a mattress in so the children could sip cocoa and admire the lights from their makeshift bed on wheels. —Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Dec. 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