noun Uncommon

espresso

eh-SPREH-soh

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Espresso (noun) means a strong, concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground beans under high pressure. Example: “She ordered a double espresso to get through the afternoon meeting.”

noun

A strong, concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground beans under high pressure.

"She ordered a double espresso to get through the afternoon meeting."

"The café's espresso had a thick layer of golden crema on top."

Any drink made using espresso as its base, such as a latte or cappuccino.

"The menu listed six different espresso drinks."

How to use espresso

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small, strong shot of coffee made under pressure, the base for most coffee-shop drinks.

Common mistake

It is spelled and pronounced "espresso," not "expresso" — there is no "x" in the word.

Common pairings

a shot of espresso espresso machine double espresso espresso bar

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: espressos, espressi

Test yourself on “espresso” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She ordered a double _____ to get through the afternoon meeting.

Etymology

From Italian espresso, "pressed out," describing how the coffee is forced through the grounds under pressure — not related to the English word "express" meaning fast, despite the common myth.

Origin: Italian

Synonyms

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'spro

Frequently asked questions

What does “espresso” mean?

The word “espresso” means a strong, concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground beans under high pressure. In plain terms, a small, strong shot of coffee made under pressure, the base for most coffee-shop drinks.

How do you pronounce “espresso”?

“Espresso” is pronounced eh-SPREH-soh (/ɛˈspɹɛsoʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “espresso” in a sentence?

Here is “espresso” used in a sentence: “She ordered a double espresso to get through the afternoon meeting.”

What is another word for “espresso”?

Words with a similar meaning to “espresso” include 'spro.

What part of speech is “espresso”?

“Espresso” is a noun.

Where does the word “espresso” come from?

The word “espresso” comes from Italian. From Italian espresso, "pressed out," describing how the coffee is forced through the grounds under pressure — not related to the English word "express" meaning fast, despite the common myth.

Is “espresso” a common word?

“Espresso” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “espresso” have?

“Espresso” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong, concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground beans under high pressure.

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Vocabulary lists that include espresso:

Words with Italian origins Words that end with O