espresso

noun

espres·​so e-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō 

variants or less commonly expresso

ik-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō 

plural espressos also expressos

1

: a strong-tasting coffee that is brewed by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans and is typically consumed in small servings

2

: a cup of espresso

She ordered two espressos.

Examples of espresso in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Oreo Cloud Latte combines espresso and whole milk with chocolate cookie swirl, and is finished with Marshmallow Cold Foam and cookie crumbles. —Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026

The 15-bar pump delivers optimal pressure for perfect espresso extraction, and the milk frother steam wand creates a rich, creamy foam on top. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

The man has more energy than a hummingbird after a double espresso. —Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Here, we are transported from a pulsing house party basement to a chain coffee shop—from music that catches our attention across a crowded room to the kind that fades easily behind an espresso machine. —Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian (caffè) espresso, probably literally, coffee made on the spot at the customer's request

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for espresso

• gesso

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Kids Definition

espresso

noun

espres·​so e-ˈspres-ō 

variants also expresso

ik-ˈspres-ō 

plural espressos

: coffee brewed by forcing steam or hot water through finely ground darkly roasted coffee beans