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.
Instead of the traditional avocado, Pittol makes the pistachio-green Venezuelan condiment with labneh, aji amarillo paste and plenty of fresh herbs. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Monounsaturated fats can promote a feeling of fullness and are found in foods like olive oil, avocados, walnuts, butter and cheese. — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Don’t forget to try their hibiscus lemonade and their bowl acevichado, a mix of roasted salmon ceviche, avocado, peppers, marinated in coconut cream and served with rice and plantain. — Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026 Plums may not get the same heart-healthy hype as berries, leafy greens, or avocados. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 4 Oct. 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

See All Rhymes for avocado

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 20 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about avocado

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