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

In the end, none of it mattered, because one night later, the espresso-guzzling darlings of the tournament extended a helping hand. —Zack Meisel, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026

Pasquantino celebrated with an espresso shot from the dugout machine after each homer, Italy’s fitting celebration after home runs. —Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026

The studio gets plenty of sun, and even opens up onto a small patio—take your morning espresso here before heading out to explore the city center. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026

The espresso martini dominated 2025, but the classic martini is set to make a return in 2026. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 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