caffeine

noun

caf·​feine ka-ˈfēn How to pronounce caffeine (audio)
ˈka-ˌfēn
: a bitter alkaloid C8H10N4O2 found especially in coffee, tea, cacao, and kola nuts and used medicinally as a stimulant and diuretic

Examples of caffeine in a Sentence

Her doctor told her to avoid caffeine.
Recent Examples on the Web Key Ingredients: Ginseng, peptides, caffeine, squalane Best For: Skin laxity, fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles Size: 0.5 oz. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024 Contrary to popular belief, Pink Cocaine does not contain cocaine but is instead a combination of 2-CB, MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, and caffeine according to the National Capital Poison Center. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 22 Oct. 2024 Today, drugs already exist to help with e.g. alertness or focus (caffeine, modafinil, ritalin) but as with many other previous areas, much more is likely to be possible. John Werner, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 Warrier said there are an array of factors that can lead to the condition, including excessive stress and caffeine consumption, as well as structural issues of the heart. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for caffeine 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'caffeine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German Kaffein, from Kaffee coffee, from French café

First Known Use

circa 1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caffeine was circa 1823

Dictionary Entries Near caffeine

Cite this Entry

“Caffeine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caffeine. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

caffeine

noun
caf·​feine ka-ˈfēn How to pronounce caffeine (audio)
ˈka-ˌfēn
: a bitter stimulating compound found especially in coffee, tea, cacao, and kola nuts

Medical Definition

caffeine

noun
: a bitter alkaloid C8H10N4O2 found especially in coffee, tea, and kola nuts and used medicinally as a stimulant and diuretic
caffeinic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on caffeine

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