avocado

noun

av·​o·​ca·​do ˌä-və-ˈkä-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce avocado (audio) ˌa- How to pronounce avocado (audio)
plural avocados also avocadoes
1
: a pulpy green- to purple-skinned nutty-flavored fruit of any of various tropical American trees (genus Persea especially P. americana) of the laurel family
also : a tree bearing avocados
2
: a light yellowish green

Illustration of avocado

Illustration of avocado
  • avocado 1

Examples of avocado in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many studies on the health benefits of avocados were funded by the Hass Avocado Board, which works to promote the popularity of avocados. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 23 Oct. 2026 At the top of the ranking are foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids, including extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, olives, avocados, and fatty fish. — Laura Solla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 Try sourdough toast with Greek yogurt and berries, cottage cheese with live cultures or avocado with a small side of yogurt or kefir. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026 According to pear grower Lisa Perry, pears are like avocados and bananas. — Molly Allen, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for avocado

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish aguacate, from Nahuatl āhuacatl avocado, testicle

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of avocado was in 1696

Phrases Containing avocado

Rhymes for avocado

See All Rhymes for avocado

Browse Nearby Words

avo
avocado
avocado pear
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Cite this Entry

“Avocado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avocado. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

avocado

noun
av·​o·​ca·​do ˌav-ə-ˈkäd-ō How to pronounce avocado (audio) ˌäv- How to pronounce avocado (audio)
plural avocados also avocadoes
: the usually green pear-shaped edible fruit of a tropical American tree that has a rich oily flesh
also : the tree that bears this fruit

More from Merriam-Webster on avocado

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about avocado

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