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

And for me, espresso is a daily requirement. —Asha Dore, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

Early Prime Day kitchen deals include savings on the Instant Pot pressure cooker, Ninja CREAMi ice cream maker, Breville Barista Express espresso machine and much more. —ABC News, 19 June 2026

Each style is available in hues directly inspired by Bala’s five core colorways of charcoal gray, espresso brown (in lieu of their signature sand hue), blush pink, sage green and sea blue, with sporty contrast piping, to match the brand’s athletic accessories. —Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 18 June 2026

Buena Gente Cuban Bakery Most cafes in Atlanta can make a Cuban-style espresso (aka café Cubano), where sugar is whipped into espresso foam. —Christopher Hassiotis, AJC.com, 18 June 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