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

So are Baklava lattes, Adeni chai, Turkish coffee and espresso drinks. —Jenna Thompson april 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026

The Bob Marley traditionally doesn't come with espresso, but it can be added for that extra caffeine boost. —Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Make your morning espresso right in your kitchen with the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026

Participants get to sample six different restaurant espresso martinis from establishments with their own recipes. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026

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