cappuccino
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of cappuccino
First recorded in 1945–50; from Italian: literally, “capuchin,” so called from a fancied resemblance of the drink's color to the color of a Capuchin habit; see Capuchin ( def. )
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How does cappuccino compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
A cappuccino is a hot drink made with espresso and steamed milk. You might order a cappuccino at your favorite neighborhood cafe. Cappuccino is one of dozens of drink choices at any coffee shop that has an espresso machine. While many of these drinks were invented in the U.S., cappuccino is authentically Italian, traditionally served in a fairly small cup and made with equal parts strong espresso, steamed milk, and dense milk foam. The word itself comes from the brown color of the hoods worn by Capuchin monks in Italy.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
We felt the best way for people to understand what oat milk is is to go to your coolest cafe, get a cool barista who pours you a perfect latte or cappuccino with oat milk.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 16, 2026
Everyone has their method: Alton Brown swears by a dollop of mayonnaise; Martha Stewart sometimes froths hers in a cappuccino maker.
From Salon ● Nov. 13, 2025
Between sips of cappuccino, his creative spirit sparkles as he discusses Chronos and the Greek concept of emotional time.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 26, 2025
In his newly-opened coffee shop, Luai poured a cappuccino and said he had grown accustomed to the situation.
From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2024
Kaira ordered a double cappuccino and asked for whipped cream on top.
From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar
Robots were everywhere, dancing in unison, making cappuccinos, shooting soccer goals, massaging visitors and playing the piano.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026
Carrying two steaming cappuccinos from a popular American coffee chain on Thursday, Niels Berthelsen took the time to stop despite the icy cold winds whipping the streets of Nuuk, the Greenlandic capital.
From Barron's ● Jan. 22, 2026
With that specialization also came espresso beverages—the flat whites, cappuccinos, and Americanos that now make up the baseline menu for most coffee shops.
From Slate ● Dec. 22, 2025
People swapping cask ales for cappuccinos or ordering a burger and a beer via Deliveroo rather than at their local are a new threat to pubs, according to the boss of Greene King.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2025
Irish Breakfast tea and cappuccinos from Trouble Coffee.
From "We Are Okay" by Nina LaCour
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
