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
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.
His heart hasn’t proved an issue since, with Robinson (who isn’t much of a coffee drinker) chalking it up to taking caffeine shots before matches. The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 Avoiding late-night alcohol, caffeine, or large meals Ensuring your bedroom is quiet, cool, and comfortable Going to bed and getting up at the same times every day Not using phones, devices, or watching TV in bed 6. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2025 Starbucks Opens New Store with Views into North Korea PEOPLE got an early taste of the cortados and were immediately impressed (and buzzing with caffeine). Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025 For the journey home, shoppers can still grab a caffeine fix because several coffee chains, including Starbucks, Dunkin' and Caribou Coffee, are open in some locations. Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for caffeine 

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 22 Jan. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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