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

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

See Examples For:

coffee coffees

Keurig Dr Pepper is selling its minority stake in Chobani, along with a Pennsylvania manufacturing facility, to the yogurt maker for $925 million ahead of the beverage company’s planned spinoff of its coffee business.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

However, women who drank more than five cups a day had lower BMD, suggesting that very high coffee consumption could have negative effects.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 2, 2026

It might also mean a thick slice of homemade apple Bundt cake under a generous coat of cream cheese icing, eaten with coffee.

From Salon ● Aug. 31, 2026

Companies have struggled to appeal to inflation-fatigued consumers who have faced higher prices for everything from coffee to beef and gasoline.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

One day when Karel was in the village, Willem came out of the kitchen with two cups of coffee in his hands.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

So the American Heart Association has stated how many coffees per day are OK.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026

On Friday morning, the cafe and tonic bar in the Manhattan Beach Erewhon was bustling with customers ordering smoothies, coffees and breakfast.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 11, 2026

Pistachio cold foam now perches atop iced coffees from nationwide chains, Dubai chocolate knock-offs sit at every grocery checkout stand and boutique patisseries fill croissants with pistachio butters and creams.

From Salon ● May 6, 2026

Last year, McDonald’s announced a broader pilot across 500 U.S. restaurants to test a range of new beverages including cold coffees, fruity refreshers, crafted sodas, and energy drinks.

From Barron's ● Apr. 13, 2026

Audrey ordered us coffees while I tried to come up with an answer.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

Related Words

• caffeine
• cappuccino
• espresso