latte

lat-te · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, typically with a layer of foamed milk on top.

  2. 2.

    (informal) Short for any hot beverage made with steamed milk.

Forms

plural: lattes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    latte art — Decorative patterns made in the foam on top of a latte
  • •
    latte factor — Small daily expenses that add up over time

Related words

See also: cappuccino, coffee, espresso, mocha
Synonyms: caffe latte

Etymology

Shortened from Italian caffè latte, literally meaning "milk coffee," from caffè (coffee) + latte (milk). The term became popular in English in the 1980s and 1990s with the rise of specialty coffee shops.