guacamole

American  

[gwah-kuh-moh-lee, gwah-kah-maw-le] / gwɑ kəˈmoʊ li, ˌgwɑ kɑˈmɔ lɛ /

noun

Mexican Cooking.

1. a dip of mashed avocado mixed with tomato, onion, and seasonings.

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guacamole British  

/ ˌɡwɑːkəˈməʊlɪ /

noun

1. a spread of mashed avocado, tomato pulp, mayonnaise, and seasoning

2. any of various Mexican or South American salads containing avocado

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Etymology

Origin of guacamole

1915–20; < Mexican Spanish < Nahuatl āhuacamōlli literally, avocado sauce; see avocado, mole ⁶

Explanation

Guacamole is an avocado-based dip that's served with tortilla chips at Mexican restaurants. You can often also order your burrito or taco with extra guacamole. Guacamole dates from at least the 1500s, when it was made by the Aztecs in Mexico. Guacamole is a Spanish word that's based on the Aztec language Nahuatl's ahuaca-molli, a combination of ahuacatl, "avocado," and molli, "sauce." In the United States, guacamole has surged in popularity over the last several decades, with avocados especially in demand right before Super Bowl Sunday and Cinco de Mayo.

Example Sentences

Guacamole — made from mashed avocados, salt and lime juice — is a “game-day staple,” according to Avocados From Mexico, a nonprofit marketing organization.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 6, 2026

Guacamole with pita chips or whole grain tortilla chips is always a hit, or stuff a pita with sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, bean sprouts, and Caesar or Greek dressing.

From Washington Times • Sep. 1, 2023

Guacamole Greens, the brand’s longest-running menu offering, is essentially chips and dip rendered healthful, for example.

From New York Times • Jan. 4, 2020

One of the most popular offerings at Sweetgreen, then and now, was the Guacamole Greens, a riff on guac and chips with mesclun, avocado, chicken and a lime-cilantro dressing.

From Washington Post • Jun. 18, 2018

Then we all raced downstairs, Guacamole Grandes whizzing past our heads.

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan