coffee

[ kaw-fee, kof-ee ]

noun

1. a beverage consisting of a decoction or infusion of the roasted ground or crushed seeds coffeebeans of the two-seeded fruit coffeeberry 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. Compare Arabian coffee, robusta coffee.
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.

adjective

1. coffee-colored.

coffee

/ 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 calledcoffee 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. wake up and smell the coffee
   See wake 1

Word History and Origins

Origin of coffee¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of coffee¹

C16: from Italian caffè, from Turkish kahve, from Arabic qahwah coffee

Example Sentences

Burke now works as a barista at a coffee shop.

From Los Angeles Times

"Every single thing is on your shoulders, you don’t get to go for a coffee with your friend without a baby. You’re always on."

From BBC

Last year, Juliette Sartori decided she wanted to expand her social circle, so she went on a coffee date with three people she had never met before.

From BBC

The beans, roasted in various blends, are sourced from the famed coffee estates of Karnataka.

From BBC

Often, they try to cover the smell of these items with other things that have strong smells, such as coffee.

From NewsForKids.net

Related Words

• caffeine
• cappuccino
• espresso