Word
joe
Phoneticsjoe
/ˈdʒoʊ/
Definitions
01coffee
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun American English · Informal
n. a common, informal word for a cup of coffee.
n. a colloquial term for coffee, often used in the phrase 'a cup of joe'.
“I need a hot cup of joe before I can start my work day.”
“The weary commuters crowded into the small diner, each waiting for a fresh cup of joe to help them face the morning shift.”
02an ordinary man
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a typical or average man, often used in the phrase 'average joe'.
n. a generic term for an ordinary man or a member of the common people.
“He presents himself as just an average joe who enjoys watching sports.”
“The marketing campaign was designed to appeal to the average joe rather than the wealthy elite.”
03a spy
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun British English · Slang
n. a slang word for a secret agent or a spy.
n. a slang term for an intelligence agent, particularly one used as a source or double agent.
“The handler met his joe in a quiet park to exchange documents.”
“In the world of international espionage, a joe must be carefully managed to ensure their cover remains intact.”
Usage
Often used as a proper noun in the fixed expression 'average Joe'.
Etymology
Short form (diminutive form) of various names beginning with Jo..., particularly the male names Joseph and, less often, Joel, Josiah and Josias. The spelling Jo is used more often for diminutives of similar female names.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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