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

Take an afternoon siesta at your accommodation, or grab a bite at hotel bars and cafes, which are the best places to find air-conditioning, Gacheny said. — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2026

The gallery mounted over 40 exhibitions during its run, as well as hosting performances and public gatherings and having a cafe and retail shop on site. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 16 July 2026

The $508,000 renovations include updates to the 20,000-square-foot interior and the addition of a cafe, which is an amenity not all Barnes & Noble stores have. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

These unique metro Atlanta cafes argue that a great coffee shop can be about more than just a great brew. — Christopher Hassiotis, AJC.com, 14 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