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

At Kassi Beach House inside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, a perfectly balanced blend of espresso, vanilla and your choice of Grey Goose or Don Fulano Reposado, available by the glass or as Kassi Beach House’s signature 12-martini Espresso Martini Tree. —Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

Rich, polished espresso brunette is one of the standout hair color trends gaining popularity right now. —Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 12 June 2026

Caffe dello Sport, which has locations in the North End and East Boston, is showing every match while serving up espresso, panini, pastries and a full bar. —Neal Riley, CBS News, 12 June 2026

However, those conditions were tailored for the popular drink’s smoother, more diluted flavor with around one-fifth of espresso’s caffeine concentration. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 June 2026

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