avocado

noun

av·​o·​ca·​do ˌä-və-ˈkä-(ˌ)dō  ˌa- 

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

• avocado 1

Examples of avocado in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It is expected that if the tariffs go into effect, tomatoes, avocados, cucumbers, jalapenos, limes, mangos, and other typical produce imports from Mexico will increase in price. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

Cut the bottom three inches of your bunch of celery stalks and place this piece in a shallow bowl of water, supporting it with three or four toothpicks, in a manner similar to that used for germinating an avocado pit in water. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 30 Jan. 2025

And while avocados may be more expensive, the tortilla chips that accompany guacamole are cheaper by 1.4% this year. —Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025

Also, including healthy fats such as avocados, olive oil, walnuts, chia seeds, and salmon are important in maintaining a well-balanced diet. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish aguacate, from Nahuatl āhuacatl avocado, testicle

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing avocado

• avocado pear
• avocado toast

Kids Definition

avocado

noun

av·​o·​ca·​do ˌav-ə-ˈkäd-ō  ˌäv- 

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