Coffee: meaning, definitions and examples

☕

Add to dictionary

coffee

[ˈkɒfi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

drink

a hot drink made from the roasted and ground bean-like seeds of a tropical shrub

Synonyms

brew, java, joe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
coffee	The most neutral and standard term for the beverage, suitable for any formal or informal setting. I drink a cup of coffee every morning. Would you like some coffee with your breakfast?
brew	Refers specifically to the process of making coffee, or the coffee itself in a more artisanal or homemade context. This brew has a strong flavor. He likes to brew his own coffee at home.
java	A slang term for coffee, more commonly used in informal settings. It carries a casual and relaxed vibe. How about grabbing some java after work? I need my morning java to wake up!
joe	Another slang term for coffee, informal and often used in a friendly or familiar atmosphere. Let's meet up for a cup of joe this afternoon. He's sipping on his morning joe as usual.

Examples of usage

I start my day with a cup of coffee.
She ordered a black coffee.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

bean

a seed of the coffee plant

Synonyms

coffee bean, coffee seed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
coffee	Used when referring to the drink that many people consume daily, typically brewed from ground coffee beans. I need a cup of coffee to start my day This coffee tastes great!
coffee bean	Refers specifically to the roasted seeds from the coffee plant, often mentioned in the context of discussing flavor profiles or sources before brewing. These coffee beans come from Colombia The coffee beans have a rich aroma
coffee seed	Used less commonly, usually in an agricultural or botanical context to describe the seeds from the coffee plant, particularly before they are roasted. Farmers carefully select coffee seeds for planting The quality of coffee seed affects the flavor of the final product

Word

Description / Examples

coffee

Used when referring to the drink that many people consume daily, typically brewed from ground coffee beans.

I need a cup of coffee to start my day
This coffee tastes great!

coffee bean

Refers specifically to the roasted seeds from the coffee plant, often mentioned in the context of discussing flavor profiles or sources before brewing.

These coffee beans come from Colombia
The coffee beans have a rich aroma

coffee seed

Used less commonly, usually in an agricultural or botanical context to describe the seeds from the coffee plant, particularly before they are roasted.

Farmers carefully select coffee seeds for planting
The quality of coffee seed affects the flavor of the final product

Examples of usage

She bought a bag of coffee beans.
The coffee beans are used to make the drink.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

flavor

a flavor that is characteristic of the roasted seed of the coffee plant

Synonyms

coffee essence, coffee taste.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
coffee	This is a repetition of 'coffee', so it has the same usage as the first 'coffee'. Can we meet over coffee this afternoon? I love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
coffee taste	This term is used when referring to the flavor profile or the general taste experience of coffee. You might use it to describe the taste in specific products or to compare different types of coffee. This new candy has a really nice coffee taste. I prefer a bold coffee taste in my morning brew.
coffee essence	Use this term when referring to a concentrated liquid made from coffee and used to flavor foods and drinks. It's often used in baking or in recipes that require a strong coffee flavor without adding too much liquid. Add a few drops of coffee essence to enhance the flavor of your chocolate cake. They used coffee essence to make the ice cream taste richer.

Word

Description / Examples

coffee

This is a repetition of 'coffee', so it has the same usage as the first 'coffee'.

Can we meet over coffee this afternoon?
I love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

coffee taste

This term is used when referring to the flavor profile or the general taste experience of coffee. You might use it to describe the taste in specific products or to compare different types of coffee.

This new candy has a really nice coffee taste.
I prefer a bold coffee taste in my morning brew.

coffee essence

Use this term when referring to a concentrated liquid made from coffee and used to flavor foods and drinks. It's often used in baking or in recipes that require a strong coffee flavor without adding too much liquid.

Add a few drops of coffee essence to enhance the flavor of your chocolate cake.
They used coffee essence to make the ice cream taste richer.

Examples of usage

I love the rich taste of coffee.
The coffee flavor in this dessert is delicious.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The history of coffee dates back to the 15th century in the Middle East, where it was first brewed in Yemen.
Legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi discovered coffee when he noticed his goats becoming energetic after eating the berries from a coffee tree.
Coffee spread to Europe in the 17th century, and by the 1800s, it had become a popular beverage worldwide.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, coffee ceremonies are an important social activity, creating bonds among friends and family.
Some countries have a national coffee day, celebrating the beverage with events and special promotions.
Coffee is often associated with productivity, especially in work environments, where it is common to take 'coffee breaks' to recharge.

Science

Research shows that moderate coffee consumption may have health benefits, including improved cognitive function and reduced risk of certain diseases.
Caffeine, a key ingredient in coffee, is a stimulant that helps increase alertness by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep.
Studies suggest that the antioxidants found in coffee may contribute to better overall health.

Pop Culture

Coffee has been celebrated in songs, such as 'Black Coffee' and 'One More Cup of Coffee,' highlighting its significance in everyday life.
Popular TV shows like 'Friends' and 'Gilmore Girls' often depict characters bonding over their love for coffee in cozy cafes.
Coffeehouses have historically been places of social interaction and artistic expression, giving rise to literary movements and cultural revolutions.

Economics

Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world, making it a significant part of the global economy.
Countries like Brazil and Vietnam are leading producers of coffee, impacting their economies and livelihoods of millions of farmers.
The popularity of specialty coffee has led to a growth in demand, affecting pricing and the trends in coffee production and consumption.

Translations

Translations of the word "coffee" in other languages:

🇵🇹 café

🇮🇳 कॉफी

🇩🇪 Kaffee

🇮🇩 kopi

🇺🇦 кава

🇵🇱 kawa

🇯🇵 コーヒー

🇫🇷 café

🇪🇸 café

🇹🇷 kahve

🇰🇷 커피

🇸🇦 قهوة

🇨🇿 káva

🇸🇰 káva

🇨🇳 咖啡

🇸🇮 kava

🇮🇸 kaffi

🇰🇿 кофе

🇬🇪 ყავა

🇦🇿 qəhvə

🇲🇽 café

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,679, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2676 observe
2677 duration
2678 appropriation
2679 coffee
2680 arising
2681 guard
2682 comment
...