espresso

noun

espres·​so e-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce espresso (audio)
variants or less commonly expresso
ik-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce espresso (audio)
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.
There are also a few recipes that hint at the season ahead, incorporating ingredients such as apple cider, espresso, red wine and rye whiskey. — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The drink menu features more than 40 cocktails, including a PB&J espresso martini, wines and plenty of local beers on tap. — Evan Moore august 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 Shay Mitchell’s midnight espresso base exudes a plum undertone that couldn’t be better aligned with the seasonal transformation. — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026 Cool the resulting syrup, then combine it with fresh espresso and steamed or iced milk for a maple brown sugar latte. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for espresso

See All Rhymes for espresso

Browse Nearby Words

espressivo
espresso
espringal
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Cite this Entry

“Espresso.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/espresso. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

espresso

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