café

1 of 2

noun

ca·​fé ka-ˈfā 

kə-

variants or less commonly cafe

often attributive

1

: a usually small and informal establishment serving various refreshments (such as coffee)

broadly : restaurant

2

: barroom

3

: cabaret, nightclub

CAFE

2 of 2

abbreviation

ka-ˈfā 

corporate average fuel economy

Synonyms of café

Noun

• cabaret
• nightclub
• club
• bistro

Examples of café in a Sentence

Noun

the café presents nationally known jazz performers in an intimate setting

a speakeasy that became a fashionable café with the repeal of prohibition

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While guests do not eat during their time at the cafe, there is plenty of food for thought. — Emily McLeod, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Plans were announced for an adaptive re-use of the structure — as a fitness center, cafe and conference facility — but no on-site work appears to be happening yet. — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Mina’s closed in 2023, and the space has operated as a cafe, serving coffee, tea, and pastries since. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Founded in 2009, the group has bloomed into a small empire—we’re talking nearly 70 of the South’s favorite restaurants, hotels, bars, and cafes, plus another dozen or so in development—with thoughtful intention. — Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French café coffee, café, from Turkish kahve — more at coffee

First Known Use

Noun

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing café

• café au lait
• café au lait spot
• pavement café
• pousse-café
• sidewalk café
• transport café

Kids Definition

café

noun

ca·​fé

variants also cafe

ka-ˈfā 

kə-

1

: a usually small restaurant

2

: barroom

3

: nightclub