café

1 of 2

noun

ca·​fé ka-ˈfā How to pronounce café (audio)
kə-
variants or less commonly cafe
Synonyms of café
often attributive
1
: a usually small and informal establishment serving various refreshments (such as coffee)
broadly : restaurant
2
: barroom
3
: cabaret, nightclub

CAFE

2 of 2

abbreviation

ka-ˈfā How to pronounce CAFE (audio)
corporate average fuel economy

Synonyms of café

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Noun

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Examples of café in a Sentence

Noun the café presents nationally known jazz performers in an intimate setting a speakeasy that became a fashionable café with the repeal of prohibition
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Noun
Stepping into the cafe transports you to an Irish pub with its decor, music, and food options. — Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 The vehicle’s falcon wing doors and trunk were both open and up, as well as the front hood of the car, with chairs from the cafe scattered throughout the scene. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 SparkHouse’s cafe and bar is open to the public and sells tea, coffee (try the honey matcha latte), wine, beer cocktails and small bites. — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 In a busy cafe, the ANC takes the edge off ambient conversations nicely. — Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for café

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French café coffee, café, from Turkish kahve — more at coffee

First Known Use

Noun

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of café was in 1802

Phrases Containing café

Browse Nearby Words

cafard
café
CAFE
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Cite this Entry

“Café.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caf%C3%A9. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

café

noun
ca·​fé
variants also cafe
ka-ˈfā How to pronounce café (audio)
kə-
1
: a usually small restaurant
2
: barroom
3
: nightclub
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