# decaf

/ˈdikæf/ (US) · /dˈiːkæf/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/decaf
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

coffee with almost all the caffeine taken out, so it will not keep you awake. You choose it when you like the taste of coffee late in the day.

For teachers: coffee from which most caffeine has been removed, retaining flavour with only trace stimulant effect. Shortened form of 'decaffeinated coffee'.

## Examples

- She drinks decaf in the evening to sleep well.
- After lunch he orders a decaf because regular coffee keeps him awake at night.
- Even the restaurant's decaf carried the dark, toasted aroma of fresh espresso without the jittery lift that had once kept her typing past midnight.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.