coffee

[kaw-fee, kof-ee]

noun

1. a beverage consisting of a decoction or infusion of the roasted ground or crushed seeds coffeebeans of the two-seeded fruit coffeeberry of certain coffee trees.

2. the seeds or fruit themselves.

3. any tropical tree or shrub of the genus Coffea, of the madder family, especially C. arabica and C. canephora, cultivated commercially.

4. a cup of coffee.

   We ordered four coffees and three doughnuts.

5. a social gathering at which coffee and other refreshments are served.

6. medium to dark brown.

adjective

1. coffee-colored.

coffee

/ ˈkɒfɪ /

noun

1. 1. a drink consisting of an infusion of the roasted and ground or crushed seeds of the coffee tree

   2. ( as modifier )

      coffee grounds

2. Also called: coffee beans. the beanlike seeds of the coffee tree, used to make this beverage

3. short for coffee tree

4. 1. a medium to dark brown colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a coffee carpet

5. See wake 1

Word History and Origins

Origin of coffee¹

1590–1600; < Italian caff è < Turkish kahve < Arabic qahwah

Word History and Origins

Origin of coffee¹

C16: from Italian caffè, from Turkish kahve, from Arabic qahwah coffee

Example Sentences

Gone are the days of flavoring your morning coffee with a bit of ink, accidentally dipping the corner of the newsprint into a mug while thumbing through the pages.

From Salon

I have a toddler’s palate, so I prefer a sweet coffee drink.

From Los Angeles Times

The woman then leans forward and tries to take the driver’s coffee and mess with his other belongings, shouting, “Loser! That’s what you get, b—.”

From Los Angeles Times

Brazil, which is the world's biggest producer of coffee, has been slapped with a 50% US import tax.

From BBC

“It’s a huge call to action,” the L.A. native says over coffee on a recent morning in the Valley.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caffeine 
• cappuccino 
• espresso