Definition

A type of strong coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under pressure.

Example

I ordered a double shot of espresso to start my day.

Conversation

Have you ever tried a shot of espresso?

Yeah, I love it! It gives me a nice boost.

I think I need that energy for my morning meetings.

Definitely! A good espresso can make all the difference.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Espresso comes from the Italian word 'espresso', which means 'pressed out'. It is derived from the Latin 'exprimere' (meaning to press out or express). The word refers to coffee that is brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, thus 'pressing out' the flavor.

Memory Tip

Think of coffee being 'pressed out' — that's why espresso refers to a strong coffee made by forcing water through coffee grounds.

Visually Confused Words