coffee

American  

[kaw-fee, kof-ee] / ˈkɔ fi, ˈkɒf i /

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of coffee

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

Example Sentences

On Dec. 12, ICE officers sat at a Brooklyn Park, Minnesota coffee shop for an hour pretending to be customers.

From Salon

In addition, the company said it would split into two public companies at the end of 2026—a global coffee company and a mostly North American beverage business.

From Barron's

I start every day when I’m in California with an iced coffee of some kind, sitting in the sun for 20 minutes.

From Los Angeles Times

That is largely due to rising costs for some staples like beef and coffee.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pow Wow Grounds, a coffee shop a few blocks from where Oglala said tribal members were detained, has become a hub for Native American support groups and ICE observers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• caffeine
• cappuccino
• espresso