espresso

noun

espres·​so e-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce espresso (audio)
variants or less commonly
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
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.
Decide after trying the Moonlight Expresso liqueur, billed as an espresso martini in a bottle. Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 19 Nov. 2024 Wickedly Smooth Espresso Martini A Bold Finale with a Coffee Kick For a dark and intense end to the night, this espresso martini with vodka and fresh espresso is the perfect nod to Oz’s boldness. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The espresso martini will have a candy cane rim, and cotton candy and glitter will top the white chocolate martini. Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 For an after-dinner pick-me-up option, include espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup to make crowd-pleasing espresso martinis. Alyson Sheppard, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for espresso 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of espresso was in 1930

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near espresso

Cite this Entry

“Espresso.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/espresso. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

espresso

noun
espres·​so e-ˈspres-ō How to pronounce espresso (audio)
variants also expresso
plural espressos
: coffee brewed by forcing steam or hot water through finely ground darkly roasted coffee beans

More from Merriam-Webster on espresso

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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