coffee-table

1 of 2

adjective

cof·​fee-ta·​ble ˈkȯ-fē-ˌtā-bəl How to pronounce coffee-table (audio)
ˈkä-
Synonyms of coffee-tablenext
: of, relating to, or being an article (such as a book or magazine) intended for display (as on a coffee table)

coffee table

2 of 2

noun

: a low table customarily placed in front of a sofa

called also cocktail table

Examples of coffee-table in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
To start, there must be thousands of books around the property—coffee-table tomes about nature, volumes of Dickens, some mystery novels for good measure—filling shelves in every guest room, up to the balcony reading nook in the main lodge. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026 Sometime in the mid-sixties, Sam brought home a coffee-table book about astrology, and Linda became consumed by it, launching into a self-education that approached mania. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Noun
Now, buyers touring the house walk into an entryway staged with two curved, ivory couches facing each other across a coffee table that’s topped with design books and plants. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026 But a slightly dusty coffee table isn’t where Chin-Hong directs most of his energy. — Angela Haupt, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coffee-table

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1962, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coffee-table was in 1877

Rhymes for coffee-table

See All Rhymes for coffee-table

Browse Nearby Words

coffee spoon
coffee-table
coffee table
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coffee-table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coffee-table. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

coffee table

noun
: a low table usually placed in front of a sofa
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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