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

Dunkin’ has officially launched new Banana Syrup and Banana Cold Foam to flavor espresso, cloud latte, iced coffee, matcha, refreshers, or almost any other drink in unique ways. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026

Following this, lift the frother from the machine and pour the hot milk into the cup over the espresso. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026

Zoë Kravitz embraced optical illusion dressing in head-to-toe espresso brown at Paris Fashion Week on March 3. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026

Live With Kelly and Mark just got a steamy pick-me-up stronger than a shot of morning espresso. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 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

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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