coco: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “coco” mean?
A tropical palm tree that produces the coconut, or the large, hard-shelled seed of this tree (the coconut).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tropical palm tree that produces the coconut, or the large, hard-shelled seed of this tree (the coconut).
Informally, also refers to the flesh, milk, or oil derived from the coconut, as well as to its brown colour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'coco' is primarily a colloquial or poetic shortening of 'coconut', occasionally used in compounds (coco-nut, coco shell). In the US, it is almost exclusively found in brand names (Coco Pops cereal, Coco Chanel) or Spanish-influenced contexts (coco agua).
Connotations
UK: Casual, sometimes childish or quaint. US: Often evokes branding, luxury (Chanel), or tropical drinks.
Frequency
The term 'coconut' is overwhelmingly more frequent in both varieties. 'Coco' as a standalone noun is low frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “coco” in a Sentence
[coco] + [noun] (e.g., coco palm)[adjective] + [coco] (e.g., dried coco)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coco” in a Sentence
verb
British English
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American English
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adverb
British English
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American English
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adjective
British English
- She bought a lovely coco mat for the porch.
- The cake had a subtle coco flavour.
American English
- The lotion contains coco butter for smooth skin.
- They served a refreshing coco water.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in brand names or product descriptions for food, cosmetics (coco oil).
Academic
Virtually unused; 'coconut' or the scientific name is standard in botany/agriculture.
Everyday
Informal shortening for coconut, especially in UK speech with children or in cooking contexts.
Technical
The genus name 'Cocos' is used in botanical taxonomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coco”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coco”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coco”
- Using 'coco' in formal writing where 'coconut' is required.
- Misspelling as 'cocoa' when referring to the palm product.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, especially in informal British English. However, it's also the genus name (Cocos) and appears in fixed compounds like 'coco de mer'.
No, they are completely different. 'Coco' refers to the coconut palm/its products. 'Cocoa' (or cacao) refers to the bean used to make chocolate.
The nickname 'Coco' was reportedly acquired from her time as a singer, possibly from a song she performed. It is unrelated to the coconut.
When used to mean 'coconut', it follows the same rules: countable for the whole fruit (three cocos), uncountable for the flesh/oil (add some coco). Its rarity means 'coconuts' is always safer.
A tropical palm tree that produces the coconut, or the large, hard-shelled seed of this tree (the coconut).
Coco is usually informal to neutral in register.
Coco: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊ.kəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.koʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “-”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
COCO: Think of the COCONUT's hard COre, or the famous twins COCO & Coco (Chanel and the coconut).
Conceptual Metaphor
HEAD/SKULL (from the resemblance of the hairy shell to a head; cf. Spanish 'coco' meaning bogeyman or skull).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the standalone word 'coco' most naturally used in modern English?