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.
Explore combinations such as feta, spinach, and walnuts; feta with sweet potatoes and olives; feta avocado and arugula; or feta, cantaloupe, melon, and toasted almonds. — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026 Try it on slices of sourdough, alongside cold soba noodles and crunchy veg, or over warm rice with half an avocado. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026 It is flanked on either side with fruit trees — Asian pears, peaches, nectarines, avocados and figs. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026 In the case of avocados, and many other fruits, polyphenol oxidase changes the chemical structure of phenols when they’re exposed to oxygen. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 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

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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 18 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of avocado for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about avocado

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