noun
Uncommon
caffeine
KA-feen
Caffeine (noun) means a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and cacao that increases alertness and reduces tiredness. Example: “Too much caffeine late in the day kept her awake all night.”
noun
1
A natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and cacao that increases alertness and reduces tiredness.
"Too much caffeine late in the day kept her awake all night."
"He switched to decaf to cut down on caffeine."
"A strong cup of coffee has enough caffeine to make me feel wide awake."
How to use caffeine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe stimulant in coffee and tea that keeps you alert and awake.
Common pairings
caffeine intake
caffeine withdrawal
high in caffeine
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like caffeine.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- caffeines
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Too much _____ late in the day kept her awake all night.
Etymology
Borrowed from French caféine, itself built from café ("coffee") plus the chemical suffix "-ine."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for caffeine
See all rhymes for caffeine →Frequently asked questions
What does “caffeine” mean?
The word “caffeine” means a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and cacao that increases alertness and reduces tiredness. In plain terms, the stimulant in coffee and tea that keeps you alert and awake.
How do you pronounce “caffeine”?
“Caffeine” is pronounced KA-feen (/ˈkæfiːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “caffeine” in a sentence?
Here is “caffeine” used in a sentence: “Too much caffeine late in the day kept her awake all night.”
What part of speech is “caffeine”?
“Caffeine” is a noun.
Where does the word “caffeine” come from?
The word “caffeine” comes from French. Borrowed from French caféine, itself built from café ("coffee") plus the chemical suffix "-ine.".
Is “caffeine” a common word?
“Caffeine” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How much caffeine is in coffee compared to tea?
Coffee generally contains more caffeine per serving than tea, since caffeine is a natural stimulant found in both coffee and tea, along with cacao, that increases alertness and reduces tiredness. Exact amounts vary widely depending on the type, brewing method, and serving size.
Does decaf coffee still contain caffeine?
Yes, decaffeinated coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine, since the decaffeination process removes most but not all of the natural stimulant from the beans.
Is caffeine addictive?
Caffeine can cause physical dependence, and regular users may experience withdrawal symptoms like headaches or fatigue if they stop suddenly. Because it works as a stimulant that increases alertness, regular use can lead the body to adapt to its effects.
