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

Ice scoop in cafe area being stored in ice bin with handle in contact with ice. — Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Owners Benjamin Sormonte, from the south of France, and Elisa Marshall, from Toronto, started the cafe as a nod to their mothers and early childhood experiences in the kitchen. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2026

Shot primarily at night, Fallen Angels is all neon cityscapes, midnight noodle cafes, and delirious wide-angle shots, all tied together with a frantic trip-hop soundtrack. — Daisy Jones, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026

It has been operated as a cafe and restaurant since 1952 and contains an exhibition on its history. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 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