cocoa

noun

co·​coa ˈkō-(ˌ)kō How to pronounce cocoa (audio)
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
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.
About 65 percent of confectionery ingredient costs come from cocoa, sugar and corn syrup, according to the BLS. — Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 In recent years, cocoa prices have surged due to adverse weather across key West African producing regions. — CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 Instead, new tariffs will be applied to Canadian exports of cocoa powder, vinyl flooring, shampoo, canoes and other products. — New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026 It’s made with dark cocoa concentrate and is a tangy, slightly sweet treat made for pouring over ice cream like chocolate syrup, baked into brownies, or drizzled over a cheeseboard. — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cocoa

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish cacao

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cocoa was in 1730

Phrases Containing cocoa

Rhymes for cocoa

See All Rhymes for cocoa

Browse Nearby Words

Coco
cocoa
cocoa bean
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

cocoa

noun
co·​coa ˈkō-kō How to pronounce cocoa (audio)
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 How to pronounce cocoa (audio)
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
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