Illustration of coffee
- coffee 1b
often attributive
1
a
: a beverage made by percolation, infusion, or decoction from the roasted and ground seeds of a coffee plant see also iced coffee, irish coffee, turkish coffee
b
: any of several Old World tropical plants (genus Coffea and especially C. arabica and C. canephora) of the madder family that are widely cultivated in warm regions for their seeds from which coffee is prepared
d
: a dehydrated product made from brewed coffee
instant coffee
also
: a beverage made from this
2
: a cup of coffee
two coffees
3
Did you know?
Coffee is made from the roasted and ground seeds, or beans, of the coffee plant, a tropical evergreen shrub. Two of the 25 or more species, Arabica and Robusta, supply most of the world's coffee. Arabica is grown in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Indonesia; Robusta mainly in Africa. The shrub bears small white flowers with a jasmine-like fragrance. The fruit, which is red when mature, is called a cherry. The seed is called a bean. Coffee contains large amounts of caffeine, whose effects have always been an important element in the drink's popularity. Coffee-drinking dates from the 15th century in Arabia. It reached Europe by the 17th century and immediately became popular. Coffee is consumed by about one-third of the world's population.
Examples of coffee in a Sentence
I bought a pound of coffee.
Recent Examples on the Web
Within seconds of arriving, we were checked in, and our luggage was tagged and whisked away, giving us ample time to use the bathroom and enjoy a cup of coffee in the lounge.
—
Annie Archer,
Travel + Leisure,
7 July 2026
In addition to the sharp shape, the coffee brown shade gives the bag a more elevated feel.
—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
6 July 2026
Some are looking for someone to travel with, attend concerts with, or simply share everyday conversations with over coffee.
—
Matthew Kayser
updated July 6,
Miami Herald,
6 July 2026
Crafted from top-grain Italian leather with a cotton lining and protective metal feet, it’s built to handle daily use and the occasional coffee spill.
—
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for coffee
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Annie Archer,
Travel + Leisure,
7 July 2026
In addition to the sharp shape, the coffee brown shade gives the bag a more elevated feel.
—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
6 July 2026
Some are looking for someone to travel with, attend concerts with, or simply share everyday conversations with over coffee.
—
Matthew Kayser
updated July 6,
Miami Herald,
6 July 2026
Crafted from top-grain Italian leather with a cotton lining and protective metal feet, it’s built to handle daily use and the occasional coffee spill.
—
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for coffee
Cite this Entry
“Coffee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coffee. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
coffee
noun
cof·fee
ˈkȯ-fē 
ˈkäf-ē
1
: a drink made from the roasted and ground seeds of a tropical tree or shrub related to the madder
2
: coffee seeds or a plant producing them
3
: a cup of coffee
two coffees
Etymology
from Italian caffè "coffee" and Turkish kahve "coffee," both from Arabic qaḥwa "coffee"
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