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

One of the most straightforward cocktail-to-beer swaps is trading an espresso martini for a stout. —Essence, 7 Apr. 2025

So whip up a house mimosa or a memorable espresso martini. 19. —Maggie Griswold, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2025

In addition to the homemade brews, four espresso samples were collected at three cafeterias and one laboratory workplace coffee machine. —New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2025

While there’s a wide selection of cute espresso machines wandering about the internet, there’s a baffling absence of aesthetic coffee makers, especially those with carafe capability. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 27 Mar. 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