coffee

American  

[kaw-fee, kof-ee] / ˈkɔ fi, ˈkɒf i /

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.

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adjective

1. coffee-colored.

coffee British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of coffee

1590–1600; < Italian caff è < Turkish kahve < Arabic qahwah

Explanation

The hot, brown beverage that many people start their days with is called coffee. To make coffee, you can grind coffee beans and pour very hot water over the grounds. Many people drink coffee because they love the deep, roasted flavor, and also for the caffeine it contains — drinking coffee helps you feel more awake and alert. The green coffee bean that's roasted and ground to produce your cup of Joe grows on a bush in a warm climate. People have been drinking coffee since at least the 15th century, although it didn't catch on with Americans until the Revolutionary War, when the British habit of tea drinking plummeted in popularity.

Example Sentences

Coffee may modify what microbes do collectively, and what metabolites they use.

From Science Daily • May 3, 2026

“It’s an insult to the city,” said Homick, a 71-year-old retired UPS driver, during his daily stop at Richard’s Coffee Shop and military museum.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Nestlé said on Thursday that it had agreed to sell Blue Bottle Coffee, a coffee roaster, to Centurium Capital, part of an effort to slim down and refocus around core brands.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Local chain Luckin Coffee now has almost four times as many stores in the country than its US rival.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Bore has a seat on the Coffee Exchange, and if he sells more than two hundred lots in a day, he’s in a good mood.

From "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel

Related Words

• caffeine
• cappuccino
• espresso