espresso

noun

espres·​so e-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō 

variants or less commonly expresso

ik-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō 

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

Bearing more than a passing resemblance to a tiny pint of Guinness, the cocktail drinks somewhere between a cold Irish coffee and a creamy espresso martini. —Jonathan Thompson, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2024

Pour mixture into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with espresso beans. —Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2024

And even after doing it 18 previous times over 21 seasons, a spot on the court Christmas evening with everyone watching hit him like a triple espresso. —Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024

The signature Beam nutty grain flavor is present, but it’s softened with layers of milk and dark chocolate, espresso bean, dulce de leche, fig, and a backbone of smoky oak. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2024

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

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Kids Definition

espresso

noun

espres·​so e-ˈspres-ō 

variants also expresso

ik-ˈspres-ō 

plural espressos

: coffee brewed by forcing steam or hot water through finely ground darkly roasted coffee beans