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.
The brunch menu is stacked with decadent options, from a creative lineup of toasts–including French, prime rib, avocado, and smoked salmon–to soufflé pancakes and mimosa flights. Taryn White, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 The flour-in-the-bag method to ripen avocados includes placing an avocado in a paper bag with a layer of flour to absorb excess moisture and prevent spoilage, while trapping ethylene gas. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 July 2025 Thousands of tons of drugs have moved through the city over the decades, hidden in vehicle compartments, in suburban stash houses and semitrailer loads of everything from avocados to live sheep. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025 Many fruits, vegetables, legumes, and seeds are good sources of fiber, including avocados, lentils, and berries. Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 July 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Avocado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avocado. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!