café noir

He orders a café noir after his meal.

Definition

1. Noun (phrase, invariable):
   • Black coffee: "café noir" is a French-origin term meaning black coffee, typically served without milk, cream, or sugar.

Usage Examples

• (A serving of black coffee without any additions.)
• (Black coffee consumed as a beverage.)

Advanced Usage

• "un café noir": In French contexts, this is the standard way to order a black coffee; in English, it is often used in menus or by coffee enthusiasts.
  • The menu listed café noir alongside espresso and latte. (A specific type of coffee drink.)

Variants and Related Words

• Café (n): a coffee shop or a serving of coffee.
  • We met at a small café near the station. (A place serving coffee.)
• Noir (adj, from French): literally "black" in color; used in English to describe dark or black-themed items (e.g., film noir).
  • The painting used a noir palette of deep blacks and grays. (Dark in color.)

Synonyms

• Black coffee: coffee served without milk or cream.
• Espresso: a concentrated form of coffee, sometimes served as a small black coffee.
• Americano: espresso diluted with hot water, similar to black coffee but not identical.

Related Idioms

• "café noir, no sugar": a phrase used to specify a very simple, unadorned coffee order.
  • He always says "café noir, no sugar" to the barista. (An exact order for black coffee without sweetener.)