# cacao

/kəˈkeɪoʊ/ (US) · /kˈækaʊ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cacao
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

the beans from which chocolate is made. You usually see this word in more formal or scientific writing than in everyday conversation.

For teachers: the seeds of the cacao tree, from which chocolate is produced. Often used in botanical or agricultural contexts to distinguish the raw bean from the processed food.

## Examples

- The factory processes raw cacao into chocolate.
- High-quality chocolate is made from cacao beans that are fermented and roasted to develop their rich flavor.
- The global demand for organic cacao has led to a significant shift in farming practices across the tropical regions where the tree is traditionally cultivated.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.