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
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Adjective
Padilla started by running errands, then took on bigger responsibilities like managing her social media and eventually working with her on a coffee-table book called Fashion First. — Lucy Feldman, Time, 30 Sep. 2026 Written by the design editor of New York magazine and Curbed, Wendy Goodman, the stunning coffee-table book traces the store’s 125-year history. — Air Mail, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
Whether your take is as splashy as an area rug or as discreet as a backgammon set for your coffee table, this is your cue to get a little playful this season. — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026 This contains a sofa, chair, and a coffee table, with a ceiling fan above. — New Atlas, 9 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

coffee table

noun
: a low table usually placed in front of a sofa
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