: the hard, heavy heartwood of any of various tropical American trees of the genus Dalbergia (especially Dalbergia retusa) that is typically yellowish-orange to reddish-brown in color
When finished, it will be a 4-inch, drop-point fixed blade knife with a handle of cocobolo, a tropical wood also known as rosewood.—Jason Collins, The Victoria (Texas) Advocate, 21 Aug. 2006
In the sedate cocobolo-panelled dining room, serious men surrounded by decanters embark on elaborate tastings.—Leo Carey, The New Yorker, 30 May 2005
also: a timber tree yielding cocobolo
Word History
Etymology
Spanish, from Arawak kakabali
The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits
Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.
Expanded definitions
Detailed etymologies
Advanced search tools
All ad-free
Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice
for true word lovers.
Copy Citation
Share