coffee table

American  

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of coffee table

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

On the coffee table lay a large format book titled “The World’s Most Beautiful Paintings,” or something similar.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Some have since been worked into functional items, with his giant tape measure becoming a coffee table and a big plug turned into a cupboard.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

On a notebook on her coffee table, she wrote Cynthia Renee Ortiz, doodling hearts around her prospective married name.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

The host took umbrage and digitally manipulated photos to show damage to the property, including a large crack in a coffee table, claiming the guest had caused more than $15,000 in damage.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

I’m sitting on the floor next to the glass coffee table.

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner