caffè macchiato

or caf·fe mac·chia·to

[ kaf-ey mak-yah-toh, mahk-; Italian kahf-fe mahk-kyah-taw ]

noun

, plural caf·fè mac·chia·tos.

1. a hot beverage consisting of espresso and a small amount of foamed milk.

Word History and Origins

Origin of caffè macchiato¹

1985–90; < Italian: “stained (or spotted) coffee,” from caffè coffee ( def ) + macchiato, perfect partciple of macchiare “to stain, spot,” from macchia “a stain, spot,” from Latin macula ( macula ( def ), mackle ( def ) )

Example Sentences

The New York City village of Harlem has changed a lot since I lived there, when a prominent African-American real estate agent I knew claimed she’d move there only when she could buy a caffé macchiato at 6 in the morning.

From New York Times

It was a striking dichotomy: A view that will transport you to the ancient past and a caffè macchiato that will bring you right back to the five-star present.

From New York Times

He and his business partners have launched a Kickstarter campaign seeking $10,000 to launch their Original Coffee House Beans, which will come in flavors such as hot cocoa and peppermint, chai tea, coffee and doughnuts and caffe macchiato.

From Los Angeles Times

He was drinking caffè macchiato in mid-April at a cafe in the Brera neighborhood here, with Louie, his miniature Labradoodle, at his feet.

From New York Times