guacamole

American  

[gwah-kuh-moh-lee, gwah-kah-maw-le] / gwɑ kəˈmoʊ li, ˌgwɑ kɑˈmɔ lɛ /

noun

Mexican Cooking.

1. a dip of mashed avocado mixed with tomato, onion, and seasonings.

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guacamole British  

/ ˌɡwɑːkəˈməʊlɪ /

noun

1. a spread of mashed avocado, tomato pulp, mayonnaise, and seasoning

2. any of various Mexican or South American salads containing avocado

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Etymology

Origin of guacamole

1915–20; < Mexican Spanish < Nahuatl āhuacamōlli literally, avocado sauce; see avocado, mole ⁶

Explanation

Guacamole is an avocado-based dip that's served with tortilla chips at Mexican restaurants. You can often also order your burrito or taco with extra guacamole. Guacamole dates from at least the 1500s, when it was made by the Aztecs in Mexico. Guacamole is a Spanish word that's based on the Aztec language Nahuatl's ahuaca-molli, a combination of ahuacatl, "avocado," and molli, "sauce." In the United States, guacamole has surged in popularity over the last several decades, with avocados especially in demand right before Super Bowl Sunday and Cinco de Mayo.

Example Sentences

Pratt goes to the restaurant often enough that Smith said his favorite order is crispy tacos and guacamole, and that he prefers the tequila brand Komos.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

But at least that guacamole is pretty good for you.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 7, 2026

For most of the past week, that referred almost entirely to the salsa, guacamole, and blue cheese dressing for Super Bowl snacks.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

We especially enjoyed the chunky guacamole served with crispy pork belly, the yellowfin tuna tostados served with a pepita salsa matcha, and the butterflied bronzino served with a tomato avocado salsa and house-made tortillas.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

My grandfather gets a cheese quesadilla, three beef tacos, chicken fajitas, a side of rice and beans, and an extra side of guacamole.

From "The Fourteenth Goldfish" by Jennifer L. Holm