caffeine

noun

caf·​feine ka-ˈfēn How to pronounce caffeine (audio)
ˈka-ˌfēn
: a bitter alkaloid C8H10N4O2 found especially in coffee, tea, cacao, and kola nuts and used medicinally as a stimulant and diuretic

Examples of caffeine in a Sentence

Her doctor told her to avoid caffeine.
Recent Examples on the Web One of YouTube’s most recognizable personalities, Paul has leveraged his online fame and 23.6 million subscriber base by releasing a successful and controversial energy drink, Prime, which contains six times more caffeine than a can of Coca-Cola. Issy Ronald, CNN, 30 Sep. 2024 Previous research has linked caffeine to uncomfortable periods. Korin Miller, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2024 Consuming caffeine can help these tiny tubes stay open and clean your blood more efficiently. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 23 Sep. 2024 This means kids are unknowingly sipping a drink containing caffeine, or drinking too much. Melissa Willets, Parents, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for caffeine 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'caffeine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German Kaffein, from Kaffee coffee, from French café

First Known Use

circa 1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caffeine was circa 1823

Dictionary Entries Near caffeine

Cite this Entry

“Caffeine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caffeine. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

caffeine

noun
caf·​feine ka-ˈfēn How to pronounce caffeine (audio)
ˈka-ˌfēn
: a bitter stimulating compound found especially in coffee, tea, cacao, and kola nuts

Medical Definition

caffeine

noun
: a bitter alkaloid C8H10N4O2 found especially in coffee, tea, and kola nuts and used medicinally as a stimulant and diuretic
caffeinic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on caffeine

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