espresso

espresso — noun

1. a dark, concentrated coffee drink that is prepared by pushing very hot water at

1.nounB1
Definition

a dark, concentrated coffee drink that is prepared by pushing very hot water at high pressure through fine coffee grounds, usually served in a small cup with no milk added

Example

After lunch, Yumi ordered a double espresso to help her stay awake through the meeting.

collocation: double espresso

The new espresso machine at Rodrigo's café can make three cups at once.

collocation: espresso machine

Common collocations
  • double espresso
  • single espresso
  • espresso shot
  • espresso machine
  • pull an espresso
  • freshly pulled espresso
  • strong espresso
Synonyms
  • coffee

    a broader category; espresso is one specific type of concentrated coffee

Grammar Patterns

a/shot of espresso

espresso + noun (espresso machine, espresso cup)

pull + [adjective] + espresso

Usage Note

Espresso can be used as both an uncountable noun (general drink: 'I love espresso') and a countable noun (a serving: 'I'll have two espressos'). In barista language, the verb 'pull' is commonly paired with 'espresso' or 'shot'.

Common Mistakes

Can I have an expresso?
Can I have an espresso?
the correct spelling is 'espresso,' though 'expresso' is a common misspelling.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Espresso is the most concentrated form of coffee, made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground beans. 'Coffee' is the broad category covering all types of brewed coffee drinks. 'Cappuccino' and 'latte' are both espresso-based drinks with steamed milk — a cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, while a latte has more milk and a thin layer of foam. 'Americano' is espresso diluted with hot water. The key distinction is that espresso is served in small portions (about 30–60 ml) without milk, whereas the others are larger and milk-based. For example, you might order 'a double espresso' after a meal, but 'a latte' as a morning drink.

coffee ↗cappuccino ↗latteamericano

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • freshly

Phrases

  • a shot of espresso
  • a cup of espresso
  • espresso and milk

Prepositions

  • of espresso (a shot of espresso)

Etymology

LatinItalianEnglish

Borrowed from Italian 'caffè espresso', where 'espresso' means 'pressed out' or 'expressed' — referring to the method of forcing hot water under pressure through the coffee grounds. The Italian word comes from Latin 'exprimere' (to press out). The term entered English in the early 20th century as espresso machines became popular.