English Reference
noun · adjective · verb

coffee

n. · adj. · v.
US /ˈkɑfi/ UK /kˈɒfi/ cof·fee UK spelling coffee's, coffee's

  1. 01 A1 Beginner Cooking

    n.a hot or cold drink made from the roasted seeds of a tropical plant.

    n.a beverage produced by infusing roasted and ground seeds of the coffee plant in water.

    Simple

    I usually drink a cup of black coffee to help me wake up in the morning.

    In context

    The barista recommended a medium roast coffee from Ethiopia, noting its distinct floral notes and bright acidity.

  2. 02 A1 Beginner Cooking

    n.one cup or portion of the drink.

    n.a single serving of the beverage. Countable in informal or service contexts.

    Simple

    We sat in the café and ordered two coffees and a slice of cake.

    In context

    After the meeting, the colleagues went out for several coffees to discuss the project in a more relaxed environment.

    cup of coffee
  3. 03 A2 Elementary

    n.the seeds or the ground powder used to make the drink.

    n.the roasted seeds (beans) or the ground substance derived from the Coffea plant.

    Simple

    She bought a bag of fresh coffee and ground it at home.

    In context

    The aroma of freshly ground coffee filled the kitchen long before the water had even finished boiling.

    coffee beansgrounds
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    n.the tropical tree or bush that produces coffee beans.

    n.any of several tropical African shrubs or small trees of the genus Coffea.

    Simple

    Coffee grows best in high altitudes with plenty of rain and shade.

    In context

    The plantation owner explained that the coffee requires specific soil conditions and a frost-free climate to thrive.

  5. 05 B1 Intermediate

    n.a light or medium brown colour.

    n.a shade of brown resembling the appearance of coffee, particularly when mixed with milk.

    Simple

    The walls of the living room were painted a soft coffee colour.

    In context

    She chose a coffee-coloured silk for the bridesmaids' dresses to complement the autumn wedding theme.

  6. 06 A2 Elementary

    adj.used to describe things made for or used with coffee.

    adj.used attributively to describe items associated with the preparation or consumption of coffee.

    Simple

    He put his book down on the coffee table and went to answer the door.

    In context

    The interior designer suggested a low coffee table to maintain the open feel of the lounge area.

  7. 07 C1 Advanced Informal

    v.to meet someone to drink coffee together.

    v.to consume coffee, often used to describe a social gathering centered around the beverage.

    Simple

    We should coffee sometime next week and catch up on everything.

    In context

    The two writers would often coffee at the local bistro while brainstorming ideas for their upcoming collaborative novel.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated