coffee-table

1 of 2

adjective

cof·​fee-ta·​ble ˈkȯ-fē-ˌtā-bəl How to pronounce coffee-table (audio)
ˈkä-
: of, relating to, or being an article (such as a book or magazine) intended for display (as on a coffee table)

coffee table

2 of 2

noun

: a low table customarily placed in front of a sofa

called also cocktail table

Examples of coffee-table in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
But those elements may be better suited to consumption via the bulky coffee-table book Netflix will undoubtedly release for its awards push, as opposed to the fisheye presentation afforded by DP Dan Laustsen’s large-format cameras. Peter Debruge, Variety, 30 Aug. 2025 Nineteen years later, Death & Co. has four bars in the U.S. and has published three coffee-table books. Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
Consider adding a large decorative tray to corral coffee table books, candles, and plants, which creates an organized and personable display. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025 Key Notes: Clove, Atlas Cedar, Leather, Cashmere, Bourbon Vanilla, Parchment Celebrated for its collectible, heirloom-worthy coffee table books, the iconic publishing house Assouline recently introduced the Library Collection—a line of home objects as refined as its literary legacy. Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coffee-table

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1962, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coffee-table was in 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Coffee-table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coffee-table. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

coffee table

noun
: a low table usually placed in front of a sofa
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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