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definitions

coffee table

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

Origin of coffee table

First recorded in 1875–80
Also called cocktail table.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for coffee table

Contemporary Examples of coffee table

  • And of course, there is a big, glossy—and celebratory—Rizzoli coffee-table book featuring the homes of some of her clients.

    The Daily Beast logo
    Design Treasures on the Block

    Robin Givhan

    October 14, 2011

Historical Examples of coffee table

  • She took his laptop away and set it down on the coffee-table, then took off his headset.

    Makers

    Cory Doctorow

  • During this conversation Johann Leopold had approached Johanna at her coffee-table.

    A Noble Name

    Claire Von Glmer

  • After placing it tenderly upon the coffee-table, he bent down and set it going.

    Bella Donna

    Robert Hichens

  • And Isaacson drew from his pocket the letter Mrs. Armine had sent by the felucca, and laid it on the coffee-table.

    Bella Donna

    Robert Hichens

  • It was quite a tiny apartment, with a divan, two lounge-chairs and a Persian coffee-table.

British Dictionary definitions for coffee table

coffee table

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 substancecoffee-table music
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012