coffee-table

1 of 2

adjective

cof·​fee-ta·​ble ˈkȯ-fē-ˌtā-bəl 

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

Adjective

Sometime in the mid-sixties, Sam brought home a coffee-table book about astrology, and Linda became consumed by it, launching into a self-education that approached mania. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

The script, originally set in Los Angeles, was sent to prospective backers accompanied by a 200-page coffee-table book. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 23 May 2026

Noun

The Andalusia collection extends to lots of other enviable indoor/outdoor furniture and accessories including lounge chairs, dining chairs, and a coffee table for a cohesive outdoor setup. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026

The atrium features a showpiece sofa shaped like the infinity sign, plus playful brass and handspun wool chairs by Egg Designs, while the library room’s backlit shelves are stacked with Assouline coffee table books and various objets d’art. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1962, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1877, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for coffee-table

• eatable
• treatable
• depletable
• repeatable
• unbeatable

Kids Definition

coffee table

noun

: a low table usually placed in front of a sofa