chocolate

noun

choc·​o·​late ˈchä-k(ə-)lət How to pronounce chocolate (audio) ˈchȯ- How to pronounce chocolate (audio)
1
: a beverage made by mixing chocolate with water or milk
The boy stirred the chocolate before drinking it.
2
: a food prepared from ground roasted cacao beans
The cake recipe calls for four squares of chocolate.
3
: a small candy with a center (such as a fondant) and a chocolate coating
gave her a box of chocolates
4
: a brownish gray
The bird's plumage was a shade of chocolate.
chocolate adjective

Examples of chocolate in a Sentence

The cake recipe calls for four squares of chocolate. She gave me a box of chocolates for my birthday.
Recent Examples on the Web Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwavable bowl on HIGH until melted and smooth, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, stirring at 30-second intervals. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2024 It was constructed out of chocolate and marshmallow around a steel base. Alison Fox, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024 It’s finished with chocolate fringe around the edge, framing the flowers as a still life. Helen Chandler-Wilde, Fortune Europe, 22 Mar. 2024 God is the greatest chocolate factory the world has ever known. Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024 Jones still makes his father’s secret sauce, and Marci makes some of her own recipes for dessert, including chocolate cakes made with hot coffee and cinnamon, fresh banana pudding, peach cobbler and buttermilk pie. Jenny Rudolph, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2024 Chips Ahoy! is revamping its recipe, in a move the company says will improve the taste of its chocolate chips. Chris Morris, Fortune, 21 Mar. 2024 Play also charges for on board services, including water, and offers a selection of snacks like Icelandic chocolate and sandwiches. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2024 Spending on chocolates is expected to drop this Easter, though the total figure so far remains high by historical standards, according to the National Retail Federation. CBS News, 21 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chocolate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Nahuatl chocolātl, probably an alteration of eastern Nahuatl dialect chikolātl, from chikolli hook (probably used to refer to the beater used to mix chocolate with water) + ātl water, liquid

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chocolate was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near chocolate

Cite this Entry

“Chocolate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chocolate. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chocolate

noun
choc·​o·​late ˈchäk-(ə-)lət How to pronounce chocolate (audio) ˈchȯk- How to pronounce chocolate (audio)
1
: a beverage of chocolate in water or milk
2
: a food prepared from ground roasted cacao beans
3
: a candy made of or coated with chocolate
4
: a brownish gray
chocolate adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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