arabica

noun

arab·​i·​ca ə-ˈra-bə-kə How to pronounce arabica (audio)
often attributive
1
: an evergreen shrub or tree (Coffea arabica) yielding seeds that produce a high-quality coffee and form a large portion of the coffee of commerce
2
: the seeds of arabica especially roasted and often ground

Examples of arabica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Studies have shown that the arabica bean — which makes up roughly 60% of all coffee produced globally — is particularly vulnerable to climate change. — Steve Kopack, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025 Renowned for their smooth taste and sweet flavor, arabica beans make up between 60% to 70% of the global coffee market. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024 For the first time, one pound of arabica costs more than $4 on commodity markets. — Steve Kopack, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025 The two most common varieties are Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for arabica

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, specific epithet of Coffea arabica, from Latin, feminine of Arabicus Arabian

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of arabica was in 1882

Rhymes for arabica

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Cite this Entry

“Arabica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arabica. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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