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.
The couple cut a vanilla sponge cake decorated with pink roses and, come evening, drank espresso martinis all night long. — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026 The corn cake with orange espresso whip and fennel pollen at the TXA TXA Club. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 Fellow’s Espresso Series 1 is designed to solve some of the smaller issues overlooked in nicer home espresso machines. — Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026 The beverage lineup includes espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, cold and hot coffee, and specialty seasonal drinks. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

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