coffee

noun

cof·​fee ˈkȯ-fē How to pronounce coffee (audio)
ˈkä-
often attributive
1
a
: 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

Illustration of coffee

Illustration of coffee
  • coffee 1b

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 Use it as a serving, jewelry, perfume, makeup, coffee, tea, or trinket tray. Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2024 Refreshments include lemonade, coffee, popcorn and cookies. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024 Sponsors who pay between $50 a month and $1,000 a year to help keep the business afloat receive additional perks like free books and coffee, and reserved seating to select events. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2024 Champagne, coffee, juice, tea, soft drinks and milk are included. Elaine Rewolinski, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024 The menu offers a variety of lemonades, teas, coffees and slushes. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2024 Eating plenty of calcium-rich foods and participating in impact exercise (like jumping) are the usual recommendations for bone health, as well as avoiding caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Verywell Health, 22 Mar. 2024 Dunkin’ is giving one of their classic coffee orders a cheeky new name. Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024 The secret device recorded at least 90 people, ranging in age from 4 to 85, using the facilities at one of the coffee chain’s locations on Coleman Avenue near Taylor Street, according to the San Jose Police Department. Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coffee.' 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

Italian & Turkish; Italian caffè, from Turkish kahve, from Arabic qahwa

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of coffee was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near coffee

Cite this Entry

“Coffee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coffee. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

coffee

noun
cof·​fee ˈkȯ-fē How to pronounce coffee (audio)
ˈkäf-ē
1
: a drink made from the roasted and ground seeds of a tropical tree or shrub related to the madder
2
: coffee seeds or a plant producing them
3
: a cup of coffee
two coffees
Etymology

from Italian caffè "coffee" and Turkish kahve "coffee," both from Arabic qaḥwa "coffee"

More from Merriam-Webster on coffee

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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