caffeine

noun

caf·​feine ka-ˈfēn How to pronounce caffeine (audio)
ˈka-ˌfēn
: a bitter alkaloid C8H10N4O2 found especially in coffee, tea, cacao, and kola nuts and used medicinally as a stimulant and diuretic

Examples of caffeine in a Sentence

Her doctor told her to avoid caffeine.
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.
Cocoa powder contains a small amount of caffeine, around 12 milligrams per tablespoon. Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Nov. 2024 Abdur-Rahim frequently walked across campus to a coffee shop and the student center, and whoever happened to be there was treated to a dose of caffeine and perhaps donut or two. Tom Layberger, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Running on adrenaline and continuous infusions of caffeine, its analysts and data scientists were glued to their monitors around the clock, watching the slow trickle of results from Pennsylvania that ultimately would decide the race. Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 The small amounts of caffeine in chocolate are another risk, Hill's Pet Nutrition reports. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for caffeine 

Word History

Etymology

German Kaffein, from Kaffee coffee, from French café

First Known Use

circa 1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caffeine was circa 1823

Dictionary Entries Near caffeine

Cite this Entry

“Caffeine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caffeine. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

caffeine

noun
caf·​feine ka-ˈfēn How to pronounce caffeine (audio)
ˈka-ˌfēn
: a bitter stimulating compound found especially in coffee, tea, cacao, and kola nuts

Medical Definition

caffeine

noun
: a bitter alkaloid C8H10N4O2 found especially in coffee, tea, and kola nuts and used medicinally as a stimulant and diuretic
caffeinic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on caffeine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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