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

Combine the tofu, chocolate, espresso powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in a blender. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Ratajkowski went full throttle on seasonal fashion staples, her espresso brown straight-legged corduroy trousers pooling around her sandy suede Ugg boots. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

The York features espresso feet and comes upholstered in the retailer’s contract-grade Performance Everyday Velvet, which promises to repel liquids and resist abrasions of daily life. — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026

Bieber’s deep espresso brown hair color added a striking contrast as her chest-length locks and piecey layers framed her features. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 19 Sep. 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