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

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Etymology

Origin of coffee table

First recorded in 1875–80

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

coffee table

The company pivoted to a game suitable for display on a coffee table, modeled after the Vintage Bookshelf line, but larger.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026

I picked up a coffee table, desk, side table and nightstand for free.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026

The “living room” was furnished with what appeared to be a bookshelf, plants, a coffee table, an armchair, a desk chair and even paintings on the walls.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2026

On the coffee table lay a large format book titled “The World’s Most Beautiful Paintings,” or something similar.

From Salon ● Apr. 19, 2026

In the living room, we cousins made a circle around the coffee table and clasped our hands.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

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