# Kopi Luwak

/ˌkoʊpi ˈluːwæk/ (US) · /ˌkɒpi ˈluːwæk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kopi-luwak
Updated: 2026-09-20

## Definition

a rare and expensive coffee produced from beans that have been eaten and passed through the digestive system of the Asian palm civet, an animal native to Southeast Asia

For teachers: a specialty coffee produced from cherries consumed and fermented in the digestive tract of the Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, harvested from fecal matter, and processed for its unique, smooth flavor profile.

## Examples

- He wanted to try Kopi Luwak because it is the most expensive coffee in the world.
- The boutique roastery faced criticism from animal rights groups for including Kopi Luwak on their luxury tasting menu.
- Ethical concerns regarding the battery-caging of civets have led many connoisseurs to boycott Kopi Luwak in favor of sustainably sourced, wild-gathered alternatives.

---

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.