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

There are also three desserts on the menu including pane dolce with vanilla ice cream, espresso anise seeds chocolate biscotti and coffee icebox cake. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 17 Aug. 2025

Then top with second cake, do thin crumb layer with chocolate espresso icing, then final layer of marshmallow icing. —Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 14 Aug. 2025

The drink is meant to be enjoyed over ice or perhaps as part of an espresso martini, a popular cocktail that’s bolstering sales of Kahlúa and is a bright spot for its parent company, Pernod Ricard. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025

The Golden Eagle is an espresso with caramel and vanilla breve, and a caramel drizzle. —Jason Dill, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 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