coffee-table book

[ kaw-fee tey-buhl, kof-ee- ]

noun

1. an oversize, expensive, and usually illustrated book suitable for displaying, as on a coffee table.

coffee-table book

noun

1. a book designed to be looked at rather than read

Word History and Origins

Origin of coffee-table book¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The 160-page coffee-table book features award-winning Times photography and reporting, with select pages in Spanish.

From Los Angeles Times

A coffee-table book is in the works, as well.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s harder on my eyes, my body. My muscles are a little tighter. A printed coffee-table book, including a National Geographic, is a lean back — I lean back on my sofa, open it and relax.”

From New York Times

Mr Msimang’s house is furnished with tributes to the ANC’s iconic former leader – a life-size painting of Nelson Mandela, a coffee-table book bearing his name.

From BBC

Last month, a handsome new coffee-table book, “The Beach Boys by the Beach Boys,” was published with photos and detailed reminiscences from the members.

From Los Angeles Times