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

The orange juice is cold and freshly pressed, the espresso dark and strong, the tea served with a strainer (because proper leaves are used). —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026

The espresso has arrived and been tossed back, and the restaurant has emptied, much as at the end of My Dinner With André. —Christopher Bonanos, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026

During the event, guests will learn the secrets of making a great espresso martini by shaking, tasting and comparing various espresso martini builds to see how the drink transforms between spirits and techniques, according to a news release. —Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 23 Feb. 2026

In a video shared on February 22, the Project Runway star showed off her moves while shimmying in nothing but a plunging espresso brown string bikini paired with a straw hat. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 23 Feb. 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