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.
Analysts note that agricultural commodities such as cocoa, coffee and wheat are expected to be among the asset classes hardest hit by heatwaves. — CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026 The scent is rich and warm thanks to ginger, spice, tonka bean, and cocoa notes. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026 São Tomé and Príncipe first announced the citizenship-by-investment scheme in August 2025 with the goal of raising funds to support the local economy, which currently relies heavily on cocoa exports and foreign aid. — Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 Many farmers invest their own money to acquire land, clear it and maintain cocoa farms for years before earning any income, yet receive little government support, said Asiedu. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 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 Aug. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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