latte

American  

[lah-tey, laht-te] / ˈlɑ teɪ, ˈlɑt tɛ /

noun

1. Also called caffè latte.  hot espresso with steamed milk, usually topped with foamed milk.

2. tea made with steamed milk, usually topped with foamed milk.

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latte British  

/ ˈlɑːteɪ, ˈlæteɪ /

noun

1. coffee made with hot milk

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Etymology

Origin of latte

First recorded in 1990–95; from Italian (caffè) latte “(coffee with) milk,” from Latin lac (stem lact- ); cognate with French lait, Portuguese leite, Spanish leche

Compare meaning

How does latte compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cappuccino vs. latte

Example Sentences

People have launched bestselling books and lucrative speaking careers around the so-called latte factor.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

“People ask what would you do in your first days as governor, if you have the privilege of serving,” Yee said, as her butterscotch latte sat cooling.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026

Sophie Downing only intended to buy a matcha latte when she visited her local coffee shop with a £10 gift card.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

But, given its growth-stock valuation, bridging the gap between the 8 a.m. latte and the 3 p.m. energy boost isn’t just a goal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

She just smiles a fake smile and messes with her iced latte or whatever she's drinking.

From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi