espresso

noun

espres·​so e-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō 

variants or less commonly expresso

ik-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō 

plural espressos also expressos

1

: a strong-tasting coffee that is brewed by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans and is typically consumed in small servings

2

: a cup of espresso

She ordered two espressos.

Examples of espresso in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Today, some climbers pay up to $180,000 for premium packages that come with private chefs, a movie theatre and espresso machines. —Cecilia Vega, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025

So please, please, please grab your espresso and cookies because the superstar singer is serving a short-and-sweet holiday special filled with beautiful gowns, showstopping performances, cheeky innuendos and cameos from stars like Chappell Roan, Shania Twain, Quinta Brunson and many more. —Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025

Mix in the brown sugar and espresso powder. —Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025

Do Italians need to be introduced to the concept of an espresso martini? —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian (caffè) espresso, probably literally, coffee made on the spot at the customer's request

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for espresso

• gesso

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Kids Definition

espresso

noun

espres·​so e-ˈspres-ō 

variants also expresso

ik-ˈspres-ō 

plural espressos

: coffee brewed by forcing steam or hot water through finely ground darkly roasted coffee beans