coffee table

American  

noun

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

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of coffee table

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

A pile of phone and computer chargers crowds a coffee table along with a familiar triangular box.

From Literature

She set her backpack against the coffee table in front of them.

From Literature

You couldn't aim yourself very well and sometimes you rolled into the coffee table by mistake and whacked your nose.

From Literature

Of course she had to move aside the coffee table and a bunch of other stuff.

From Literature

Laura was setting down two plates on the coffee table, each one laden with chocolate chip pancakes, a bowl of strawberries, and a floof of whipped cream.

From Literature