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

And cocktails like margaritas, espresso martinis, Manhattans and old-fashioneds? — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 8 Oct. 2026

Ascension will offer an espresso bar and seasonal coffee flights. — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026

Drawing from the Renaissance game’s design and motif, there are playful talismans — geese, dragonflies, clovers, horseshoes, dice, keys and ladybugs — across trays, teapots, mugs, boxes, miniatures and espresso sets. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Four different Breville espresso machines are on sale, some hundreds of dollars off, as is Fellow's lineup of brewing equipment, which includes senior editor Noah Kaufman's top picks in three different categories. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 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