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

The brunch craft cocktails include espresso martini, bloody Marys, and blood orange mimosa white peach Bellini made with Prosecco. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026

These are the spots where the taverna menus are hand-written, or don’t exist at all, and no one has heard of an espresso martini. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 17 July 2026

Seasonal specialties include espresso tonic and matcha lemonade. — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Both options work well for everyday drinkers as well as those who want espresso-style drinks at home. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 16, Miami Herald, 16 July 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