Definition

Noun: 1. A small cup used for serving black coffee: A demitasse is a small cup, typically half the size of a standard coffee cup, designed specifically for serving strong, black coffee, such as espresso. 2. A small serving of strong black coffee: The word can also refer to the beverage itself—a small portion of strong, black coffee served without milk or cream.

Usage Examples

• As a cup:

  • The waiter brought the espresso in a delicate porcelain demitasse.
  • She collected antique demitasse cups from France.

• As a beverage:

  • After dinner, he ordered a demitasse.
  • Would you care for a demitasse? It's very strong.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often associated with formal or European-style coffee service.
• It is used to distinguish a small, concentrated coffee serving from a larger, American-style cup of coffee.

Variants and Related Words

• Espresso cup: A near-synonym for the cup itself.
• Espresso: The type of coffee most commonly served in a demitasse.

Synonyms

• Espresso cup (for the cup)
• Small coffee (for the beverage)

Notes

• The word originates from the French , meaning "half-cup."
• It is almost exclusively used in the context of coffee culture and fine dining.

Noun

1. small coffee cup; for serving black coffee
2. small cup of strong black coffee without milk or cream