coffee

American  

[kaw-fee, kof-ee] / ˈkɔ fi, ˈkɒf i /

noun

1. a beverage consisting of a decoction or infusion of the roasted ground or crushed seeds coffeebeans of the two-seeded fruit coffeeberry of certain coffee trees.

2. the seeds or fruit themselves.

3. any tropical tree or shrub of the genus Coffea, of the madder family, especially C. arabica and C. canephora, cultivated commercially.

4. a cup of coffee.

   We ordered four coffees and three doughnuts.

5. a social gathering at which coffee and other refreshments are served.

6. medium to dark brown.

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adjective

1. coffee-colored.

coffee British  

/ ˈkɒfɪ /

noun

1. 1. a drink consisting of an infusion of the roasted and ground or crushed seeds of the coffee tree

   2. ( as modifier )

      coffee grounds

2. Also called: coffee beans.  the beanlike seeds of the coffee tree, used to make this beverage

3. short for coffee tree

4. 1. a medium to dark brown colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a coffee carpet

5. See wake 1

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Etymology

Origin of coffee

1590–1600; < Italian caff è < Turkish kahve < Arabic qahwah

Example Sentences

Cutting out mindless, unnecessary daily expenses — like your daily coffee or subscriptions — can be the start of big changes, as author David Bach noted in the book “Start Late, Finish Rich.”

From MarketWatch

Restaurant chains are pumping the nutrient into everything from pizza crust to coffee, while stepping up marketing of the new offerings to users of weight-loss drugs and fitness buffs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Frank produced sandwiches, and homemade honey flapjacks, and black coffee from a flask.

From Literature

I duck into Hut 2 for a cup of coffee.

From Literature

He goes to his office on his central Virginia farm at 7 a.m., fueled by the same brand of coffee, and writes until 11 a.m., five days a week.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• caffeine
• cappuccino
• espresso