barista

American  

[buh-ris-tuh, -ree-stuh, bah-rees-tah] / bəˈrɪs tə, -ˈri stə, bɑ ris tɑ /

noun

plural

baristas, baristi

1. a person who is specially trained in the making and serving of coffee drinks, as in a coffee bar.

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barista British  

/ bəˈrɪstə /

noun

1. a person who makes and serves coffee in a coffee bar

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Etymology

Origin of barista

First recorded in 1980–85; from Italian: “bartender,” from bar bar ¹ ( def. ) (a loanword from English) + Italian -ista -ist ( def. )

Example Sentences

At the register, a barista called, “Ingrid and Oliver,” and placed our cups on the counter.

From Literature

Amir, a 20-year-old barista, wasn’t letting thoughts of the future ruin his mood now.

From Los Angeles Times

When she finished school, Anastasia didn't know what she wanted to be, so she took up a job as a barista.

From BBC

There have been doctor, pilot, tennis player, firefighter, lifeguard, barista and even Olympic skier Kens, among many others.

From Los Angeles Times

Jared, the barista Eddie interviewed from the Seaside Bean Café, waves and holds up a finger when he sees me outside their wide front windows, telling me to wait one second.

From Literature