espresso

noun

espres·​so e-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō 

variants or less commonly expresso

ik-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō 

plural espressos also expressos

1

: a strong-tasting coffee that is brewed by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans and is typically consumed in small servings

2

: a cup of espresso

She ordered two espressos.

Examples of espresso in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For the latte lover or dedicated Americano drinker, having an espresso machine at home is a must. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025

This sleek model makes cups of coffee and espresso-style shots at the push of a single button and blows Keurig out of the water in pretty much every category—save for price, which is why Cyber Monday is a great time to snag one on sale. —Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025

Unlike the radical change proposed by the red tights of fall-winter 2024, the simple switch from black to espresso brown—the trendiest color right now—adds a slight twist to any cold-weather look. —Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 30 Nov. 2025

Yeti 8-ounce Tumbler Small and mighty, this Yeti Tumbler is always in my bag for a quick stop at the lounge for an espresso before boarding, a small coffee to go in places where that’s definitely not a thing (hello, parts of Europe), or even just a quick swig of water before a flight. —Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian (caffè) espresso, probably literally, coffee made on the spot at the customer's request

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for espresso

• gesso

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Kids Definition

espresso

noun

espres·​so e-ˈspres-ō 

variants also expresso

ik-ˈspres-ō 

plural espressos

: coffee brewed by forcing steam or hot water through finely ground darkly roasted coffee beans