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

Sacha, who is now 22, tells me her side of the story in a Phnom Penh coffee shop one evening this summer.

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To understand this unlikely plot twist, I had coffee with a former student, Emma Baker, creator of the podcast Stargirl, who also runs a personal training business.

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Sometimes she’ll bring a friend—“It’s something good to do instead of going out to eat, or grabbing a drink, or even grabbing coffee”—but often she’ll join solo.

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It’s a really lovely cafe because it’s got healthy, organic food, but also the best coffee and matchas in the city.

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Even Gen Z preferences for how they literally consume products are different, driving colder coffees, lighter beers and, Williams said, Emergen-C vitamins in popping crystal formats.

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Related Words

• caffeine 
• cappuccino 
• espresso