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

Planning documents show Mr Saverimutto said the coffee shop would provide work experience, training, and a barista course.

From BBC

"For this study, we often had to reach out to participants to ask what kind of meat they'd put in their sandwich, or whether their coffee had sugar in it," Dr. Kleinberg explains.

From Science Daily

Next Best Picture's Philip Bagnall suggested the film is "engineered to keep the kids busy around 4pm on Christmas Day while mum and dad sip their third Irish coffee in peace".

From BBC

They could be in pubs, taverns, inns or coffee houses.

From BBC

But my dream Sunday is sleeping in at least until 8 a.m. and having my coffee by myself with no one bothering me.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caffeine
• cappuccino
• espresso