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

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

As beautiful as this book is, worthy of the finest coffee table, it would be a mistake to call it a hagiography.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 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

The wooden coffee table in her living room has a massive, cracked geode slice embedded in its center.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day