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Definition of coconut

coconut

/ˈkoʊ.kə.nʌt/
co · co · nut

Plural:coconuts
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coconut Lexical Profile

coconut Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The large, oval, brown seed of the coconut palm, consisting of a hard, woody shell lined with edible white flesh and containing a clear, sweet liquid.

Example

"She used a heavy machete to crack open the coconut and drink the refreshing water inside."


2

The edible white flesh of the coconut, often shredded, grated, or desiccated for use in cooking, baking, and desserts.

Example

"The recipe for the tropical cake calls for a cup of toasted coconut sprinkled over the frosting."


3

A tall tropical palm tree (Cocos nucifera) that has a slender leaning trunk and a dense crown of large feathery leaves, widely cultivated for its versatile fruit and wood.

Example

"The idyllic white-sand beach was lined with swaying coconuts providing shade from the midday sun."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for coconut

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the 16th-century Portuguese and Spanish word 'coco' (meaning 'grinning face' or 'goblin', referring to the three face-like indentations on the shell) combined with the English word 'nut'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Coconut. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/coconut
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