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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Try different combinations of hierarchy (with varying color, pattern, and height) in your own home with candlesticks, coffee-table-book arrangements, and lighting compositions. Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 16 Feb. 2023
Noun
Coats and shoes came off; feet went up on the coffee table. Alice Robb, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2023 On the coffee table in front of them are fresh croissants that a family friend brought earlier in the day. Melissa Etehad, Allure, 17 Jan. 2023 The kicky stool under the coffee table was an antique store find. Elizabeth Sweet, House Beautiful, 11 Jan. 2023 Sit down with the whole crew to spend some time puzzling, or set one up on the coffee table to keep going over days or weeks. Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 7 Oct. 2022 Put your feet up, rest your drinkware or show off your decor on this timeless wood coffee table. Samantha Jones, Good Housekeeping, 17 Feb. 2023 An acrylic coffee table provides a stylish and almost invisible solution in this small living room. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Feb. 2023 The crawling vines, sheers, and camouflaging paint color allow the gazebo to blend right in with the garden environment, while the bench and coffee table ensure comfort and function. Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 9 Feb. 2023 The product, which launched on Monday, sports packaging filled with Easter eggs for fans to find, including a unique coffee table, the Urban Sombrero, and the unrivaled puffy shirt. Scott King, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023 See More

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near coffee-table

coffee spoon

coffee-table

coffee table

Cite this Entry

“Coffee-table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coffee-table. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

coffee table

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