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.
But this one is made with cocoa powder and real dark chocolate. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026 Aromas of leather and dusty library books join dark caramel and burnt cocoa for an altogether more tannic nose. — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Aim for dark chocolate bars with 70% or more cocoa to get the most flavanol antioxidants per ounce (oz). — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 17 June 2026 White chocolate chips, meanwhile, usually contain cocoa butter but no cocoa solids. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on cocoa

Nglish: Translation of cocoa for Spanish Speakers

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