IPA: /bɑːˈrɪstə/
KK: /bɑːˈriːstə/
A person who prepares and serves coffee drinks, especially in a coffee shop.
The barista made a delicious cappuccino for the customer.
Barista originates from Italian 'barista' (meaning bartender or bar server), which is derived from 'bar' (meaning a counter or establishment where drinks are served). The word 'barista' specifically refers to a person who prepares and serves coffee drinks, particularly espresso-based beverages.
Think of a 'bar' where drinks are served, and remember that a 'barista' is someone who serves coffee at that bar.