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
This isn’t a coffee-table book. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026 Many of the accessories in their penthouse such as a bright blue Kitchen Aid mixer (which can cost up to $699 new), coffee-table books and a decorative clam shell remind the couple of their favorite place: Palm Springs. Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
His team is also planning to release a coffee table book about Los Angeles culture. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026 All the coffee tables at Aristokraft Kitchen were handcrafted by Steve Martins from the neighboring business Rustic Barn. Sarah Kyrcz, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Coffee-table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coffee-table. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

coffee table

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