espresso

[ e-spres-oh ]

noun

, plural es·pres·sos.

1. a strong coffee prepared by forcing live steam under pressure, or boiling water, through ground dark-roast coffee beans.
2. a cup of this coffee.

espresso

/ ɛˈsprɛsəʊ /

noun

1. strong coffee made by forcing steam or boiling water through ground coffee beans
2. an apparatus for making coffee in this way

Word History and Origins

Origin of espresso¹

First recorded in 1940–45; from Italian (caffè) espresso “pressed (coffee),” past participle of esprimere “to press out,” from Latin exprimere; express ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of espresso¹

C20: Italian, short for caffè espresso, literally: pressed coffee

Example Sentences

Available at Anova Aeropress Coffee Espresso Maker, $26 Every year, there seems to be a new favorite coffee maker.

From The Daily Beast

Espresso breaks are common in Palermo, especially at the elegant, old world Antico Caffe Spinnato.

From The Daily Beast

Even the humble espresso machine got bad press, despite being the size of a thermos cup and brought as a joke.

From The Daily Beast

After I meditate, I shoot a strong espresso and go to the desk.

From The Daily Beast

Several espresso-mobiles (a brilliant innovation) were set up to keep the crowd caffeinated.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• caffeine
• cappuccino