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.
Top with the jalapeños, tomatoes, green onions, tablespoon-size dollops of the sour cream, the avocado, a couple cracks of black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and cilantro. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 The opening menu is set to feature various inventive dishes, such as Spicy Tuna Dip (made with sesame and avocado served with nori tapioca chips) and Heritage Half Chicken (served with sansho pepper, pickled daikon and a shiso return). — Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 The salad stacks lean turkey with plant protein from beans and adds healthy fat from avocado, which keeps the meal filling without extras. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 Tracee Ellis Ross favors Udi’s gluten-free bread topped with smashed avocado, lemon juice, crushed red pepper and salt as an afternoon snack, according to a People food diary. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 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

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 1 Sep. 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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