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 dessert, a grand opera cake, which the program describes as having espresso cream, almond sponge and buttercream chocolate ganache. —Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026

It is comprised of 96 percent Cab and 4 percent Petit Verdot and has aromas of brown baking spices, cherry, and espresso with flavors of ripe blackberry, red plum, and a touch of cocoa in the finish. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026

The actor, a fan of espresso martinis, ordered a round of drinks for fellow guests, we were told. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

The kitchen is fully equipped (including with, importantly, espresso-ready moka pots). —Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 24 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

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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