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

Drip coffee came next, followed by pour-over, espresso, and French press. — Merve Ceylan, HEALTH, 17 Sep. 2026

Dresses made of silver gift ribbon and plastic jump ropes had the effect of an espresso shot. — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

There’s no point in debating with customers whether the perfect pot of tea or espresso coffee brews better at temperatures that don’t peel the skin from the roof of your mouth. — New Atlas, 14 Sep. 2026

Pastas, pizza, and several espresso martini variations round out the menu, according to its website. — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 11 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