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

The palate is fruity with additional flavors of milk chocolate, candied ginger, and hints of espresso. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025

Moka Pot The moka pot is a metal carafe that brews coffee or espresso on the stovetop with the help of pressurized steam. —Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2025

In late August, Vrabel walked up to his favorite diner in Nashville, two cups of Starbucks in hand — one, a quad espresso, for him, and the other for the journalist spending the day with him. —Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025

Dunkin' released its winter menu featuring its new espresso drink with Sabrina Carpenter on New Year's Eve. —Kelly Tyko, Axios, 2 Jan. 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

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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