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

A local coffee shop and bakery owner was charging his electric Cadillac in the next spot and showed me how to charge my car.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

"It created a real buzz," said Nadine Price, supervisor at Ground coffee shop on High Street, one of the filming locations.

From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026

Make it strong, because I like strong coffee.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 11, 2026

It might remember my favorite coffee, anticipate the substitution I’m about to request and move me through the line several seconds faster.

From Salon ● Oct. 11, 2026

I can picture all of this: three generations of laughing Theos, downing mugs of coffee and biscuits, storming out garrulously into the dawn, wearing wool hunting hats and surrounded by baleful golden retrievers.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

A separate study, external of 118 young adults who did multiple tastings of different black coffees found most only deemed the drinks to be too hot if the temperature was 70 degrees C or above.

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026

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

From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026

Fast-food chains started testing teas, lemonades, smoothies and specialty coffees.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 2026

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

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

From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman

Related Words

• caffeine
• cappuccino
• espresso