coffee table

American  

noun

• coffee tables
  plural

1. a low table, usually placed in front of a sofa, for holding ashtrays, snack bowls, glasses, magazines, etc.

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coffee table British  

noun

1. a low table, on which newspapers, etc, may be placed and coffee served

2. (modifier) implying an emphasis on appearance and style over substance

   coffee-table music

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• coffee tables
  plural

Etymology

Origin of coffee table

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

coffee table

Simply put: When putting together your dinner party menu, don’t consult that one unopened cookbook that’s been collecting dust on your coffee table.

From Salon ● Jun. 21, 2026

Some have since been worked into functional items, with his giant tape measure becoming a coffee table and a big plug turned into a cupboard.

From BBC ● Apr. 9, 2026

On a notebook on her coffee table, she wrote Cynthia Renee Ortiz, doodling hearts around her prospective married name.

From Slate ● Apr. 6, 2026

A small hexagonal black coffee table is perched in front of the couch, while a black-and-tan patterned rug adds some texture and depth to the space.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 24, 2026

He reached over and put both hands firmly on the edge of the coffee table.

From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry