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

Try a present that doubles as a date night, like an espresso martini kit or cheeky card game. —Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2025

Another five roaches lay dead under the front counter espresso machine. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025

Order a classic espresso drink, latte, or specialty brew and pair it with a breakfast sandwich or pastry. —Kristen Tribe, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025

The design of the Grosche Milano Stone stovetop espresso maker, a speckled stone that looks like the bottom of a creek, gives your stovetop coffee maker a contemporary look that’s suited for a modern kitchen. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 10 Oct. 2025

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