coffee

noun, often attributive

cof·fee | \ ˈkȯ-fē

, ˈkä-\

Definition of coffee

1a : a beverage made by percolation, infusion, or decoction from the roasted and ground seeds of a coffee plant

b : any of several Old World tropical plants (genus Coffea and especially C. arabica and C. canephora) of the madder family that are widely cultivated in warm regions for their seeds from which coffee is prepared

c : coffee seeds especially roasted and often ground — compare arabica, robusta

d : a dehydrated product made from brewed coffee instant coffee also : a beverage made from this

2 : a cup of coffee two coffees

3 : coffee hour

Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about coffee

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Did You Know?

Coffee is made from the roasted and ground seeds, or beans, of the coffee plant, a tropical evergreen shrub. Two of the 25 or more species, Arabica and Robusta, supply most of the world's coffee. Arabica is grown in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Indonesia; Robusta mainly in Africa. The shrub bears small white flowers with a jasmine-like fragrance. The fruit, which is red when mature, is called a cherry. The seed is called a bean. Coffee contains large amounts of caffeine, whose effects have always been an important element in the drink's popularity. Coffee-drinking dates from the 15th century in Arabia. It reached Europe by the 17th century and immediately became popular. Coffee is consumed by about one-third of the world's population.

Examples of coffee in a Sentence

I bought a pound of coffee.

Recent Examples on the Web

My perfect day would begin: With the best coffee. 19. — The Editors, Marie Claire, "Mandy Moore Answers Our Burning Questions," 10 Jan. 2019 There are fluorescent lights and coffee cups and salads that, as the news breaks once more, wilt, uneaten, in plastic bowls. — Megan Garber, The Atlantic, "The Fourth Estate in the Age of Bad Faith," 15 June 2018 Cannabis dispensaries are cropping up at a record pace, while CBD, a nonintoxicating component of cannabis plants touted for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, is suddenly appearing in everything from eye cream to dog treats and coffee. — Jessica Matlin, Harper's BAZAAR, "The New High Society," 18 Apr. 2019 Adding pine needles, compost, and even coffee grounds to the soil can help, too. — Michele Petry, House Beautiful, "You Can Change the Color of Your Hydrangeas with This Simple Trick," 18 Apr. 2019 River Gallery River Gallery is a perfect starting point to explore the Bluff View Art District, a historic walkable area with restaurants, coffee house, and a charming bed & breakfast. — Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Condé Nast Traveler, "3 Best Day Trips from Atlanta," 23 Aug. 2018 Picking up a cup of coffee for a coworker, doing your roommate’s dishes, and donating to a charity are all examples. — Samantha Boardman, Marie Claire, "I Hate Social Situations—Help!," 19 Mar. 2019 For just $5 a month, customers can get coffee daily. — Spencer Jakab, WSJ, "Burger King’s Tears in My Coffee," 18 Mar. 2019 In addition, hormonal birth control or too much coffee can cause tenderness in your boobs. — Yerin Kim, Seventeen, "Are Your Boobs Normal? We Asked An Expert," 8 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coffee.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.