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

Yours and Mine offers a variety of espresso drinks made with Oddly Correct beans and non-coffee options like teas, matcha, horchata and more. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2026

The actor wore a long, embellished coat with her ultra-dark espresso waves parted in the middle and styled in loose, super-shiny waves that flowed down past her shoulders. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 11 Nov. 2026

Add a meat-and-cheese platter ($36) or an espresso-tini party bottle ($45). — Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2026

Their coffee business started off with a pushcart and 100 pounds of coffee beans back in 1992, with the brothers slinging espresso by the railroad tracks of Grants Pass, Oregon. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 Nov. 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