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

Shades of mocha, espresso, and caramel are making their way to manicure menus everywhere, and for Black women especially, the look feels less like a trend and more like a celebration. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 6 Oct. 2025

The creamy, six layered dessert has buttermilk-pecan cake drizzled with espresso syrup with bourbon-espresso-vanilla-pecan Bavarian, and chocolate-espresso-pecan praline crumbs on top. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025

Amazon has already dropped hundreds of deals on top-quality espresso makers ahead of its two-day Prime Big Deal Days event, which runs October 7 and 8. —Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Oct. 2025

Beans are often associated with South America, the Dutch have popularized the instant coffee brands Americans have become most familiar with and café culture centers on Italian espresso traditions. —Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 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