espresso

noun

espres·​so e-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce espresso (audio)
variants or less commonly
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
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.
For example, espresso capsules will brew 1.35 ounces, double espresso capsules brew 2.7 ounces, and coffee capsules brew 8 ounces. Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 24 May 2025 Mornings start with espresso on the terrace; evenings are made for cocktails on the lawn before a bowl of fresh pasta at Dei Cappuccini, the hotel's signature Italian restaurant run by Chef Claudio Lanuto. Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Try the carrot cake chai or orange spice espresso tonic and a delectable, sharable plate such as burrata served with warm crostini. AFAR Media, 14 May 2025 As soon as the mixture starts frothing, it’s served in small cups, similar to those used for espresso. Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for espresso

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of espresso was in 1930

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Cite this Entry

“Espresso.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/espresso. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

espresso

noun
espres·​so e-ˈspres-ō How to pronounce espresso (audio)
variants also expresso
plural espressos
: coffee brewed by forcing steam or hot water through finely ground darkly roasted coffee beans

More from Merriam-Webster on espresso

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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