coffee

American  

[kaw-fee, kof-ee] / ˈkɔ fi, ˈkɒf i /

noun

• coffees
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• coffees
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of coffee

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

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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

See Examples For:

coffee coffees

For Toukta, the 18 family members she lives with and other rice and coffee farmers residing near the turbines, Monsoon has brought new roads and improved access to fresh water and healthcare.

From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2026

The coffee chain beat expectations on a key sales metric, but its stock was still moving lower.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026

"I can walk up the Sugar Loaf Mountain in an hour and 20 minutes or I could be getting measured for a new suit or buying a coffee in 20 minutes."

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026

TJ says over coffee at an outdoor cafe in Griffith Park.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026

I double-check Ma’s list: extra flour, extra jerky, dried apples, rice, crackers… extra coffee, cornmeal, bacon, and beans… extra kerosene, extra lard, sugar, salt, and vinegar.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Inside a hotel conference room downtown, rapper/vocalists Johnny and Taeyong and singers Jaehyun, Haechan and Yuta are dutifully seated at a table with iced coffees, pens and notepads.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026

"I don't want people to be conflicted over watching the England game and coming into work," he says, adding he'll "get the black coffees ready" for those who do come in.

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

Arabica, the smoother bean used in many premium coffees, was also hurt by Brazil’s weather problems.

From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026

Since swearing off first-date coffees and drinks two years ago, Murthy has gone out with fewer men overall.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 21, 2026

We drink our coffees black because he has no cream and we eat our toast dry because we can't find butter or jam.

From "We Are Okay" by Nina LaCour

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Related Words

• caffeine
• cappuccino
• espresso

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