avocado

American  

[av-uh-kah-doh, ah-vuh-] / ˌæv əˈkɑ doʊ, ˌɑ və- /

noun

plural

avocados

1. Also called alligator pear.  a large, usually pear-shaped fruit having green to blackish skin, a single large seed, and soft, light-green pulp, borne by the tropical American tree Persea americana and its variety P. adrymifolia, often eaten raw, especially in salads.

2. the tree itself.

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avocado British  

/ ˌævəˈkɑːdəʊ /

noun

1. a pear-shaped fruit having a leathery green or blackish skin, a large stony seed, and a greenish-yellow edible pulp

2. the tropical American lauraceous tree, Persea americana, that bears this fruit

3. 1. a dull greenish colour resembling that of the fruit

   2. (as modifier)

      an avocado bathroom suite

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Etymology

Origin of avocado

1690–1700; alteration of Spanish abogado literally, lawyer ( advocate ), by confusion with Mexican Spanish aguacate < Nahuatl āhuacatl avocado, testicle; alligator pear

Example Sentences

Crispy bacon bits, poppy pickled onions, hunks of avocado, corn nuts, everything bagel seasoning, za’atar, toasted breadcrumbs, torn herbs.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

A lemon tree was charred, and an avocado tree had shed all of its fruit.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

In 2023, #WhitePeopleMeals trended on RedNote as Chinese users posted combinations like raw carrots wrapped in cheese, plain bread and ham, and avocado toast.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

LAS VEGAS—The newest lounge at Harry Reid International Airport serves lobster rolls and avocado toast, and its bartenders mix cocktails worthy of the trendiest bars on The Strip.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

Dr. Finch chewed ferociously on his lunch and eyed his niece, who was arranging lettuce, hunks of avocado, green pepper, and onions in a neat row on her plate.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee