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

This frock reminds me of the espresso brown sweater dress Taylor Swift wore recently. —Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025

The seasonal cocktail menu includes such blends as the Sleigh Ride (vodka, bergamot, cranberry, lime, soda water, $18), Espresso-Ho Ho Martini (reposado tequila, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, espresso, $17) and Oy to the World (mezcal, tequila, lime, hot honey and apricot, $18). —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 11 Dec. 2025

Your espresso, meanwhile, will come from the folks at Greenwich Village’s own Joe Coffee, and chai and matcha will be up for grabs from Brooklyn’s Dona. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025

Scoop up our favorite finds, including a pasta roller attachment for making the perfect homemade pasta, an espresso machine to channel your inner barista, and darling towels that serve as the ultimate cleaning companion, from $9. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 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