coffee

[ kaw-fee, kof-ee ]

noun

1. a beverage consisting of a decoction or infusion of the roasted ground or crushed seeds coffeebeans of the two-seeded fruit coffeeberry 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. Compare Arabian coffee, robusta coffee.
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 calledcoffee 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. wake up and smell the coffee
   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

He appeared relaxed, wrapping a white scarf around his neck and reclining with legs crossed and a hot mug of coffee.

From Salon

At least once a month, my mother would pull birds of paradise from the downstairs bush, arrange them like so, place them in a vase and position the flowers as a centerpiece in the living room atop our mahogany coffee table.

From Los Angeles Times

I nourish a sense of satisfaction with the simple accomplishments of the day; getting up early, making coffee for my mom and me, walking, performing some activism, reminding myself that “movement of the muscles overcomes the defeatist babble of the brain.”

From Salon

While on the run, he also bought clothes from Marks & Spencer and a coffee from McDonald's, and walked beside the River Thames before being caught by police three days later.

From BBC

After analyzing everything from coffee grounds to orange peels — some 30 things in all — he and his team discovered that the strain of fungus grows on most everything they tried.

From Salon

Related Words

• caffeine
• cappuccino
• espresso