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

For more coffee advice, check out our guides to cold-brew coffee makers, espresso machines, automatic latte machines, and coffee gifts. —Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025

To-go cup lids were stored near an espresso machine with the food contact side facing up. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025

Costco’s website currently features a $320,000 diamond engagement ring as well as a $2,500 espresso machine. —Nicolas Vega, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2025

Melbourne has traditionally been regarded as the country’s coffee capital — with a coffee history that dates back to the post-World War II era, when Italian immigrants brought their espresso machines and café traditions to the city. —John Liu, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for espresso

• gesso

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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