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

“There’s some incredible artwork on that building, and we are paying respect to the graffiti artists” with a planned coffee table book, he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

When did you last buy a hardback and what was it – a cookbook, a coffee table book or fiction?

From BBC ● May 24, 2026

He put up his rather large, socked feet on the filthy coffee table.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

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