coffee table

American  

noun

1. a low table, usually placed in front of a sofa, for holding ashtrays, snack bowls, glasses, magazines, etc.

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coffee table British  

noun

1. a low table, on which newspapers, etc, may be placed and coffee served

2. (modifier) implying an emphasis on appearance and style over substance

   coffee-table music

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Etymology

Origin of coffee table

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Some have since been worked into functional items, with his giant tape measure becoming a coffee table and a big plug turned into a cupboard.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

On a notebook on her coffee table, she wrote Cynthia Renee Ortiz, doodling hearts around her prospective married name.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

As beautiful as this book is, worthy of the finest coffee table, it would be a mistake to call it a hagiography.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

“There’s something I relate to about that,” Mayer says, his Double RL boots propped on a coffee table in front of him.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2026

But the two siblings are lounging together on the couch, their sock-clad feet propped on the coffee table, eating McDonald’s and watching the news with less interest than I expected.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller