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

Aim to get an ounce or two of dark chocolate made from 85% cocoa each day. —Ana Morales, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2025

The result is a caramel whisky with notes of peach and pear, with more cocoa and vanilla on the nose. —Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

Cacao powder goes through less processing than cocoa powder, giving it a more intense taste. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 Mar. 2025

Whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch in a large saucepan. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025

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