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

Eric Hoffman, Early Warning’s chief partnerships officer, says Paze is trying to sign up coffee shops and other places where people make everyday purchases.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

He brought her a gift, but the usually empty cafe was packed, and she never got to buy him a coffee.

From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026

“In the early 1960s I began going to coffee houses and they’d have books on the occult,” she told the New York Times in 1978.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026

On this year's show, Lorenzo Alessi was reluctant to make Julia Majchrzak a morning coffee, something many contestants see as an act of care for the person they're coupled up with.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026

I brought him a cup of coffee and a plate of Nollie’s cookies.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

The coffees and lunches and dinners of that season flicker in my mind like a rom-com video montage.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2026

As Lynn hands out the teas and coffees, she points out how useful the community centre could be.

From BBC ● May 20, 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

“How was your coffee-cake?” asked the waitress, refilling their coffees.

From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman

Related Words

• caffeine
• cappuccino
• espresso