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

Between customizable sizes, number of espresso shots, sweetener types, and all the extra garnishes the coffee shop chain is known for, a simple latte order can sprawl into more than 300 billion distinct options. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026

Perks at this level and up include separate bedrooms, two televisions, complimentary laundry, pressing and wet cleaning, and espresso machines. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026

Schultz was given a corner of the shop to introduce espresso drinks. —Nick El Hajj, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

The actor has shown a long-running interest in food, from sharing a muffin recipe featuring instant espresso as a surprising secret ingredient to appearances related to food and drinks, including ads for Raisin Bran, a turkey fryer safety PSA and his own wine-tasting series, Tasting Table reported. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

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