espresso

noun espres·so \ e-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō \

variants: or less commonly expresso play \ik-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō\

|Updated on: 11 Jul 2018

Definition of espresso

plural espressos

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

2 : a cup of espresso

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espresso was our Word of the Day on 11/03/2012. Hear the podcast!

Recent Examples of espresso from the Web

Luxury flats with angular chairs and oversized espresso machines in the lobby have sprouted opposite liquor stores.

— The Economist, "In praise of gentrification," 21 June 2018
Here’s your excuse for treating yourself to that overpriced mocha latte – it has been scientifically proven that certain levels of ambient noise such as clattering of cups and the hiss of an espresso machine improves performance on creative tasks.

— dorothy mitchell, USA TODAY, "11 Actionable Productivity Hacks for Freelancers and Entrepreneurs," 21 May 2018
The massive glass windows overlooking Main Street in downtown Louisville have always drawn me in, not to mention the glimmer of the cherry red espresso machine that is difficult to resist.

— lindsey mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "You won't regret indulging at downtown Louisville's Atlantic No. 5," 9 May 2018
Amaya Coffee will feature the same beverage program as Catalina, but with a new menu addition, affagato, an Italian coffee desert that will feature Fat Cat Creamery's Amaya ice cream flavor (Amaya Coffee and Cream) topped with espresso.

— greg morago, Houston Chronicle, "Amaya Coffee to open in Finn Hall food court downtown," 17 Apr. 2018
The café’s hottest drink is the Nutella mocha, which is chocolate-hazelnut with espresso and steamed milk.

— hannah kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "What's better at Caffeinated Café in Mukwonago, the coffee or the food? Answer: It might just be the people!," 11 Apr. 2018
The beer is jet black with aromas of coffee, vanilla and pudding plus flavors that mix bitter chocolate with bitter espresso.

— daniel barnes, sacbee, "Thin Mints and beer? Pairing Girl Scout cookies with craft brews an unusual treat | The Sacramento Bee," 1 Apr. 2018
Balancing floral elements with espresso was not easy.

— josh lurie, Los Angeles Magazine, "Stop and Smell the Flowers at These Photogenic, Fragrant L.A. Coffee Bars," 14 Feb. 2018
For him, an espresso, complemented by sugar emptied from two colorful packets.

— carmen rosy hall, Vogue, "The Prettiest Pastries of Portugal, and How to Recognize Them," 16 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'espresso.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of espresso

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1945

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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ESPRESSO Defined for English Language Learners

espresso

noun

Definition of espresso for English Language Learners

: strong coffee that is made by forcing steam through finely ground roasted coffee beans

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Spanish Central: Translation of espresso Nglish: Translation of espresso for Spanish speakers

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espresso

Definition of espresso

espresso was our Word of the Day on 11/03/2012. Hear the podcast!

Recent Examples of espresso from the Web

Origin and Etymology of espresso

ESPRESSO Defined for English Language Learners

espresso

Definition of espresso for English Language Learners

Learn More about espresso

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Definition of espresso

espresso was our Word of the Day on 11/03/2012. Hear the podcast!

Recent Examples of espresso from the Web

Origin and Etymology of espresso

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Definition of espresso for English Language Learners

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