coffee

[kaw-fee, kof-ee]

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.

adjective

1. coffee-colored.

coffee

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of coffee¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of coffee¹

C16: from Italian caffè, from Turkish kahve, from Arabic qahwah coffee

Example Sentences

Inspired by the Mediterranean landscape, a swirling blue-and-white design makes sipping the potent coffee from this stovetop pot all the more rousing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Owners begin by getting their dog used to a custom-made harness and long walks with lower weights, say a coffee can filled with stones or a wheelbarrow tire.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced it would cut tariffs on products including coffee and bananas.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Parmelin has also pointed to other products on which talks were ongoing, including industrial machines, steel, aluminium, coffee -- and the Alpine nation's world-leading cheese and watches.

Read more on Barron's

If a dust jacket is torn on a coffee table book or cookbook, she’ll remove it, often revealing a cover with a “beautiful, classic, simple style.”

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• caffeine 
• cappuccino 
• espresso