Cocoanut vs. Coconut — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Sumaia Saeed — By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on April 16, 2024
Cocoanut is an outdated and less common spelling of coconut, which refers to the large, brown, hard-shelled seed of the tropical coconut palm.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Cocoanut or Coconut
How to spell Coconut?
Cocoanut
Incorrect Spelling
Coconut
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Associate "coconut" with its visual representation, which is more recognizable in modern English.
Remember that "coconut" reflects its use in common language, including branding and commercial products.
Use the double 'o' from "coconut" to match the pronunciation.
Recall "coconut" as the modern and widely accepted spelling. "Cocoanut" is seen as archaic.
How Do You Spell Coconut Correctly?
Incorrect: We added grated cocoanut to the cake.
Correct: We added grated coconut to the cake.
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Incorrect: She bought a fresh cocoanut at the market.
Correct: She bought a fresh coconut at the market.
Incorrect: He doesn’t like the taste of cocoanut water.
Correct: He doesn’t like the taste of coconut water.
Incorrect: Can you crack this cocoanut open?
Correct: Can you crack this coconut open?
Incorrect: Is this cocoanut milk organic?
Correct: Is this coconut milk organic?
Coconut Definitions
The fruit of the coconut palm: Noted for its hard shell and edible white flesh.
They enjoyed fresh coconut on the beach.
The seed of a tropical palm tree: Used for its water, milk, oil, and meat.
Coconut oil is popular in cooking and cosmetics.
Large, brown, hairy fruit of the coconut tree: Contains coconut water and white flesh.
Coconut water is a refreshing drink on hot days.
Used in various culinary and non-culinary applications: Ranging from cooking to skin care.
Coconut shells are often used as bowls or as decoration.
Source of various food and cosmetic products: Includes milk, cream, oil, and water.
Coconut milk is a dairy-free alternative used in many recipes.
The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the palm tree family (Arecaceae) and the only living species of the genus Cocos. The term "coconut" (or the archaic "cocoanut") can refer to the whole coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which botanically is a drupe, not a nut.
The fruit of the coconut palm, consisting of a fibrous husk surrounding a large seed.
The large, brown, hard-shelled seed of the coconut, containing white flesh surrounding a partially fluid-filled central cavity.
The edible white flesh of the coconut, often shredded and used in food and confections or for the extraction of coconut oil.
A coconut palm.
A fruit of the coconut palm (not a true nut), Cocos nucifera, having a fibrous husk surrounding a large seed.
A hard-shelled seed of this fruit, having white flesh and a fluid-filled central cavity.
(uncountable) The edible white flesh of this fruit.
The coconut palm.
A Hispanic or other dark-skinned person considered to have overly assimilated to white culture, a race traitor.
A black person considered to have overly assimilated to white culture, a black race traitor.
A Pacific islander.
(slang) The human head.
The edible white meat of a coconut{3}; often shredded for use in e.g. cakes and curries.
The cocoa palm.
The large, hard-shelled oval nut of the cocoa palm. It has a fibrous husk containing a thick white fibrous meat much used as food, in confections, and in making oil. It has a central cavity filled (when fresh) with an agreeable milky liquid.
The edible white meat a coconut; often shredded for use in e.g. cakes and curries
Large hard-shelled oval nut with a fibrous husk containing thick white meat surrounding a central cavity filled (when fresh) with fluid or milk
Tall palm tree bearing coconuts as fruits; widely planted throughout the tropics
Coconut Meaning in a Sentence
Coconut water is a great hydrator after a workout.
She added a spoonful of coconut sugar to her coffee.
I love the creamy texture of coconut milk in curries.
Coconut trees line the shores of the tropical beach.
The cake had a rich coconut flavor.
They collected coconuts from the palm tree.
Coconut palms thrive in sandy soils.
We use coconut oil in both cooking and skin care.
I enjoy the crunch of coconut in granola.
The dessert was topped with toasted coconut flakes.
Coconut meat is delicious when eaten fresh.
The islanders depend on coconut as a staple food.
He sells coconut products at the local market.
Coconut shell handicrafts are popular souvenirs.
She uses coconut oil for her hair treatment.
He cracked open the coconut with a sharp rock.
The scent of coconut always reminds me of vacations.
Coconut is a versatile ingredient in many dishes.
The birds nested in the coconut tree.
They made a fire and roasted coconut on the beach.
Coconut fibers are used in making durable ropes.
They sipped coconut water while walking along the beach.
The festival featured a coconut-throwing contest.
Can you buy some coconut cream for the recipe?
Coconut milk makes a great base for smoothies.
Coconut Idioms & Phrases
Under the coconut tree
Living in a tropical paradise or an idyllic place.
They dream of retiring and living under the coconut tree.
Coconut cream of the crop
The very best of a group.
These essays are the coconut cream of the crop.
Spill the coconut milk
To reveal secrets or confidential information.
He accidentally spilled the coconut milk during the meeting.
Coconut shy
A game at fairs where coconuts are prizes for knocking them off stands.
He won a prize at the coconut shy.
Crack a coconut
To solve a tough problem.
It took a while, but he finally cracked the coconut.
Coconut water runs deep
Suggests that appearances can be deceptive.
He seems quiet, but coconut water runs deep with him.
Coconut telegraph
Gossip or communication through informal channels.
News travels fast on the coconut telegraph.
Full coconut
To involve oneself completely; going all-in.
He went full coconut into his new business venture.
As hairy as a coconut
Very hairy.
His new puppy is as hairy as a coconut.
Coconut oil smooth
Extremely smooth and well-executed.
The concert went coconut oil smooth.
Coconut rolling
Moving along steadily and smoothly.
Once the project started, everything was coconut rolling.
A coconut’s throw away
Very close distance.
The beach is just a coconut’s throw away from the hotel.
In coconut terms
In simple, straightforward terms.
Let me explain it in coconut terms so everyone understands.
Sweet as coconut water
Very sweet or pleasant.
Her grandmother was sweet as coconut water to everyone.
Coconut head
A stubborn or foolish person.
Don't be such a coconut head; just apologize to her.
Common Curiosities
How many syllables are in coconut?
There are three syllables in "coconut."
Why is it called coconut?
It's called "coconut" from the Portuguese "coco," meaning 'head' or 'skull,' after the three indentations on the shell that resemble a face.
How do we divide coconut into syllables?
Coconut is divided into syllables as: co-co-nut.
What is a stressed syllable in coconut?
The stressed syllable in "coconut" is the first syllable: co.
What is the pronunciation of coconut?
Coconut is pronounced as /ˈkoʊkəˌnʌt/.
How is coconut used in a sentence?
"Coconut" is used as a noun to refer to the fruit of the coconut palm or the palm itself.
What is the verb form of coconut?
"Coconut" does not have a verb form; it is strictly a noun.
What is the root word of coconut?
The root word of "coconut" is from the Portuguese "coco," meaning 'head' or 'skull.'
What is the plural form of coconut?
The plural form of "coconut" is "coconuts."
What is the opposite of coconut?
The opposite of "coconut" might be considered a non-tropical fruit, like "apple," based on context.
Is coconut a noun or adjective?
"Coconut" is a noun.
What is another term for coconut?
Another term for "coconut" could be "palm fruit" or simply "coco."
Which determiner is used with coconut?
Determiners used with "coconut" include "a," "the," or "some," depending on context.
What is the singular form of coconut?
The singular form is "coconut."
Is coconut an adverb?
No, "coconut" is not an adverb.
Is coconut a countable noun?
Yes, "coconut" is a countable noun, as you can have one coconut, two coconuts, etc.
Is the word coconut Gerund?
No, "coconut" is not a gerund. It remains a noun.
Is coconut an abstract noun?
No, "coconut" refers to a tangible item, the fruit of the coconut palm, and is thus not abstract.
Is coconut a negative or positive word?
"Coconut" is neutral; its connotation depends on the context.
Is the word “coconut” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Coconut" can serve as a direct object in sentences like "I bought a coconut."
Which vowel is used before coconut?
The vowel "o" is used at the start of "coconut."
What part of speech is coconut?
"Coconut" is a noun.
Is coconut a collective noun?
No, "coconut" is not a collective noun.
Which conjunction is used with coconut?
Conjunctions such as "and," "or," and "but" can be used with "coconut," depending on sentence structure.
Is coconut a vowel or consonant?
The word "coconut" starts with a consonant sound.
Is the coconut term a metaphor?
"Coconut" can be used metaphorically in various contexts, like describing someone's head jokingly as "coconut."
Is the word coconut imperative?
No, "coconut" is not used in an imperative form. It's a noun.
Which preposition is used with coconut?
Common prepositions used with "coconut" include "from," "with," and "in," depending on the context.
Which article is used with coconut?
The indefinite article "a" and the definite article "the" are commonly used with "coconut," depending on the context.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Sumaia Saeed