coffee table

American  

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of coffee table

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

But a few spots go further, inviting guests to purchase the sofa they napped on, or coffee table where they ate breakfast.

From The Wall Street Journal

“There’s something I relate to about that,” Mayer says, his Double RL boots propped on a coffee table in front of him.

From Los Angeles Times

“Styles have changed, lifestyles have changed. The younger generation might want smaller pieces, like nightstands or a little coffee table they could paint Fire Engine Red.”

From MarketWatch

The entrepreneur and fashion brand founder has an enormous pile of the gold-wrapped candies sitting in a bowl on her coffee table, available to her any time she needs a snack.

From MarketWatch

In front of us, on a coffee table, rests a pile of family photographs.

From BBC