espresso

noun

espres·​so e-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō 

variants or less commonly expresso

ik-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō 

plural espressos also expressos

1

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

2

: a cup of espresso

Examples of espresso in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Save big on best-selling air fryers, espresso machines, slow cookers, and more. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 17 July 2024

Commerce Editor Carina Finn's favorite espresso machine. —Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 17 July 2024

Don’t skip a Prime Day sale must-have like an espresso machine or a standing mixer. —Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2024

The iconic haunts of yesterday—smoky terraces where students and Surrealists would linger under a scalloped awning sipping bitter espresso until the hour called for something stronger—and more modern, new-wave coffee shops. —Sophie Dodd, Vogue, 17 July 2024

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

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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