coffee

[kaw-fee, kof-ee]

noun

1. a beverage consisting of a decoction or infusion of the roasted ground or crushed seeds coffeebeans of the two-seeded fruit coffeeberry 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.

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 called: coffee 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. 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

You can rent a bike to explore the bike lanes around town and along the beach or take a short walk to the many restaurants, bars and coffee shops along main street.

From Los Angeles Times

An Irvine man was charged with hate crimes against Latino men, after allegedly hurling racial slurs, throwing hot coffee on someone and punching an elderly man.

From Los Angeles Times

Residents there strolled past shops with a cup of coffee in one hand and leashed pets in the other.

From Los Angeles Times

Over a lunch of falafel and coffee at the Hammer, Shilling talked about growing up in L.A. and attending Fairfax High School.

From Los Angeles Times

At a small table in the middle of Hollywood’s Sightglass Coffee, the conversation about the AFI vocalist’s possible sudden death has drawn the eyes of coffee drinkers in the surrounding area.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caffeine 
• cappuccino 
• espresso