cybercafé

American  

[sahy-ber-ka-fey, ‑kuh-fey] / ˈsaɪ bər kæˌfeɪ, ‑kəˌfeɪ /

Or cybercafe

noun

1. a café, coffee bar, etc., that offers internet access on its own computers or on customer's laptops, usually for a fee.

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cybercafé British  

/ -ˌkæfɪ, ˈsaɪbəˌkæfeɪ /

noun

1. a café with computer equipment that gives public access to the internet

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Etymology

Origin of cybercafé

First recorded in 1990–95; cyber- + café

Explanation

A cybercafe is a business which allows people to pay for access to the Internet. Most cybercafes provide computers, snacks, and beverages to their customers. Another name for a cybercafe is an Internet cafe. Such places often look just like cafes or coffee shops, with the addition of computer terminals. Cybercafes are especially useful for travelers who need a place to check their email or book flights and hotel rooms online. The original cafe of this kind opened in 1988 in South Korea, but the term cybercafe was first used in 1994, when innovator Ivan Pope opened one in London.

Example Sentences

Like many young people living in the town of Bukavu, he had to go to a cybercafé to get online.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2019

He did try to get his shoes back later that week, but the cybercafé manager had already sold them.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2019

He explained the situation to the cybercafé manager, hoping he would be allowed to bring the money later.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2019