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.
Making a cup of coffee can be as simple as popping a pod into a machine or as complex as mastering a high-tech espresso machine. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 21 Oct. 2026 The cream top descended from the Einspänner, an espresso drink that’s named for a one-horse carriage. — Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, both bars—one near the entrance and the other tucked away outside—drew a steady crowd all night, with bartenders whipping up espresso martinis left and right to keep partygoers energized. — Kelsey Stewart, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2026 Also on the ground floor is Maven, serving strong espresso and nitro cold brew—plus coffee cocktails worth lingering for. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 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 27 Oct. 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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