cappuccino

American  

[kap-oo-chee-noh, kah-poo-, kahp-poot-chee-naw] / ˌkæp ʊˈtʃi noʊ, ˌkɑ pʊ-, ˌkɑp putˈtʃi nɔ /

noun

plural

cappuccinos

1. a hot beverage consisting of espresso and foamed milk, often served with powdered cinnamon and topped with whipped cream.

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cappuccino British  

/ ˌkæpʊˈtʃiːnəʊ /

noun

1. coffee with steamed milk, sometimes served with whipped cream or sprinkled with powdered chocolate

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Etymology

Origin of cappuccino

First recorded in 1945–50; from Italian: literally, “capuchin,” so called from a fancied resemblance of the drink's color to the color of a Capuchin habit; see Capuchin ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does cappuccino compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cappuccino vs. latte

Explanation

A cappuccino is a hot drink made with espresso and steamed milk. You might order a cappuccino at your favorite neighborhood cafe. Cappuccino is one of dozens of drink choices at any coffee shop that has an espresso machine. While many of these drinks were invented in the U.S., cappuccino is authentically Italian, traditionally served in a fairly small cup and made with equal parts strong espresso, steamed milk, and dense milk foam. The word itself comes from the brown color of the hoods worn by Capuchin monks in Italy.

Example Sentences

Business accounts manager Nevi Bergeron bought her turbo-charged yellow 1997 Suzuki Cappuccino three years ago after being inspired by the Japanese street racing manga series Initial D.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

Over coffee at Cappuccino Republic in Suva, Mr. Watling said that Fiji’s leaders, like those elsewhere in the Pacific region, have become expert at extracting donations from wealthier nations.

From New York Times • Oct. 24, 2018

But you won’t miss Big Steve’s World Famous Cappuccino and Tattoo - “Manhattan’s Oldest” - marked by its devil-red façade situated at No. 94.

From Washington Times • Aug. 20, 2017

Second, they realized that if three teams simultaneously hit the Cappuccino, the Splendid and the nearby Yibi Hotel they risked opening fire on one another by accident.

From Reuters • Jan. 18, 2016

She always arrived promptly in her blue Ford Escort, with a Cappuccino Blast from Baskin-Robbins waiting for me in the front seat.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Related Words

• caffeine
• espresso