café

1 of 2

noun

ca·​fé ka-ˈfā 

kə-

variants or less commonly cafe

often attributive

1

: a usually small and informal establishment serving various refreshments (such as coffee)

broadly : restaurant

2

: barroom

3

: cabaret, nightclub

CAFE

2 of 2

abbreviation

ka-ˈfā 

corporate average fuel economy

Synonyms of café

Noun

• cabaret
• nightclub
• club
• bistro

Examples of café in a Sentence

Noun

the café presents nationally known jazz performers in an intimate setting

a speakeasy that became a fashionable café with the repeal of prohibition

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The incidents, which primarily involved restaurants and cafes, happened between early 2025 and June 2026, San Jose police Officer Tanya Hernandez said in a news release. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 10 July 2026

Tshnieder first co-founded Saba with Laura Quintana as a surf wax and apparel brand in 2022, and opened the cafe on Venice Boulevard in 2024. — Melody Xu, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Now named Ranchman’s by Marty B, the historic cafe in Ponder, 6 miles west of I-35W, has added a sprawling new bar and patio. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

JPMorgan workers spending five days in-office can enjoy pickleball and tennis courts; every day at Goldman Sachs, staffers enjoy gourmet meals and cycling studios; and on Meta’s campus, employees have everything from gyms to cafes. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French café coffee, café, from Turkish kahve — more at coffee

First Known Use

Noun

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing café

• café au lait
• café au lait spot
• pavement café
• pousse-café
• sidewalk café
• transport café

Kids Definition

café

noun

ca·​fé

variants also cafe

ka-ˈfā 

kə-

1

: a usually small restaurant

2

: barroom

3

: nightclub