coffee

American  

[kaw-fee, kof-ee] / ˈkɔ fi, ˈkɒf i /

noun

• coffees
  plural

1. a beverage consisting of a decoction or infusion of the roasted ground or crushed seeds coffeebeans of the two-seeded fruit coffeeberry of certain coffee trees.

2. the seeds or fruit themselves.

3. any tropical tree or shrub of the genus Coffea, of the madder family, especially C. arabica and C. canephora, cultivated commercially.

4. a cup of coffee.

   We ordered four coffees and three doughnuts.

5. a social gathering at which coffee and other refreshments are served.

6. medium to dark brown.

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adjective

1. coffee-colored.

coffee British  

/ ˈkɒfɪ /

noun

1. 1. a drink consisting of an infusion of the roasted and ground or crushed seeds of the coffee tree

   2. ( as modifier )

      coffee grounds

2. Also called: coffee beans. the beanlike seeds of the coffee tree, used to make this beverage

3. short for coffee tree

4. 1. a medium to dark brown colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a coffee carpet

5. See wake 1

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• coffees
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of coffee

1590–1600; < Italian caff è < Turkish kahve < Arabic qahwah

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Explanation

The hot, brown beverage that many people start their days with is called coffee. To make coffee, you can grind coffee beans and pour very hot water over the grounds. Many people drink coffee because they love the deep, roasted flavor, and also for the caffeine it contains — drinking coffee helps you feel more awake and alert. The green coffee bean that's roasted and ground to produce your cup of Joe grows on a bush in a warm climate. People have been drinking coffee since at least the 15th century, although it didn't catch on with Americans until the Revolutionary War, when the British habit of tea drinking plummeted in popularity.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

coffee coffees

For Toukta, the 18 family members she lives with and other rice and coffee farmers residing near the turbines, Monsoon has brought new roads and improved access to fresh water and healthcare.

From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2026

We continue to live among gasoline, plastic, detergent, coffee, shampoo, exhaust fumes, fried food and synthetic fragrances.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026

Max Sorgenfrey was sipping a coffee at a cafe in Charleston, South Carolina, in early October when her phone began lighting up with messages.

From Salon ● Oct. 29, 2026

"They are going to the shops, drinking coffee, walking around... The city is alive."

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026

If my mother were here, she would think to offer cake and coffee.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

So the American Heart Association has stated how many coffees per day are OK.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026

Arabica, the smoother bean used in many premium coffees, was also hurt by Brazil’s weather problems.

From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026

The coffees and lunches and dinners of that season flicker in my mind like a rom-com video montage.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2026

As Lynn hands out the teas and coffees, she points out how useful the community centre could be.

From BBC ● May 20, 2026

“Are you telling me you want me to pay for all those coffees now?”

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin

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Related Words

• caffeine
• cappuccino
• espresso

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