cacao

American  

[kuh-kah-oh, -key-oh] / kəˈkɑ oʊ, -ˈkeɪ oʊ /

noun

plural

cacaos

1. a small tropical American evergreen tree, Theobroma cacao, cultivated for its seeds, the source of cocoa, chocolate, etc.

2. Also the fruit or seeds of this tree.

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cacao British  

/ kəˈkɑːəʊ, -ˈkeɪəʊ /

noun

1. a small tropical American evergreen tree, Theobroma cacao, having yellowish flowers and reddish-brown seed pods from which cocoa and chocolate are prepared: family Sterculiaceae

2. another name for cocoa bean

3. another name for cocoa butter

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Etymology

Origin of cacao

First recorded in 1545–55; from Spanish, from Nahuatl cacahuatl “cacao seeds”

Explanation

Cacao is the tropical tree whose beans turn into the chocolate we all love. Cacao beans go on a journey to become everything from rich chocolate bars to your cozy cup of hot cocoa. Cacao beans grow in the pods of the cacao tree, which thrives in the lush climates of the tropics. The beans undergo a transformation through fermentation, drying, and roasting, unlocking their deep, rich flavors essential for chocolate making. Historically, cacao was so prized that the ancient Maya and Aztecs used it as money. From these precious beans, we get cocoa powder and chocolate, making cacao essential for every hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookie we savor. And don't forget about cocoa butter, which is used for all sorts of things from cooking and medicine to skin care and cosmetics.

Example Sentences

I always get the Andante, a cold brew with maple syrup, salted sweet cream foam, cacao powder and pink salt.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

For an indulgent breakfast option, she suggests making a tiramisu chia seed pudding with freshly-brewed espresso, oat milk, chia seeds, granola crumbles and a cacao dusting.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2026

For example, since 2019, global cacao shortages have quadrupled the price of the 35-pound box of chocolate Prunty uses in her bakery.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

"There's a lot of superfoods in the forest that people don't know," says Max Petrucci, founder of a local company Mahta that sells powdered cacao and Brazil nuts for shakes.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2025

When she heard a car stop in front of the house, Dedd considered taking off into the cacao grove.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez