coffee-table

1 of 2

adjective

cof·​fee-ta·​ble ˈkȯ-fē-ˌtā-bəl How to pronounce coffee-table (audio)
ˈkä-
: 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
Adjective
The first two-thirds of the catalogue seem like a coffee-table book and unserious. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 10 Feb. 2024 Somewhere between a biography and a coffee-table book, Stephen M. Silverman's new title makes a perfect companion to our current age of Sondheim remembrance. Ew Staff, EW.com, 10 Oct. 2023 As such, a gorgeous coffee-table book chronicling each chapter of the explorer’s journey is gifted to Stefano Ricci Club Members, a by-invitation-only community of around 400 clients who spend a minimum of $54,000 annually at the brand. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2024 Save on the best coffee-table books with these Amazon promo codes. Jake Smith, Glamour, 4 Dec. 2023 The antithesis of an oversized coffee-table tome devoted to priceless classics or unobtainable supercars, Tales from the Garage is a modest, 136-page softcover whose every chapter shares a personal vignette, often with subjects far less grandiose than Bugattis or Ferraris. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2023 With a coffee-table art book affixed to one bough, the simulated tree is clearly an art object. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2023 Stacks of Assouline’s glamorous coffee-table books, including Lake Como Idyll, Tuscany Marvel, and Paris Chic, doubled as decor. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2023 The two men showed me a forthcoming coffee-table book on Browne’s work, edited by Bolton. Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2023
Noun
Place them on your fireplace mantle, along your bookshelves, or on your coffee table. Gabriella Maestri, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2024 Now, the internet-breaking fashions are being immortalized in Barbie: The World Tour, a coffee table book by Mukamal and Robbie, out March 19 from Rizzoli. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024 The length proved useful for reaching underneath furniture like a coffee table or a couch. Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2024 It’s paired with a marble coffee table and side table, plus a modern pendant for visual interest. Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024 Blending together funky prints and geometric shapes, the new line reflects the aesthetic of the era through tiled coffee tables, statement rugs, bold pillow sets and more, all in a muted palette with pops of color. Hannah Chubb, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 Throughout the hotel's public spaces, from the stunning Champagne Bar to a library's worth of coffee table books, guests are encouraged to relax for a while and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 29 Feb. 2024 The new book comes on the heels of Dune: Exposures, a coffee table book from actor Josh Brolin (who stars in the franchise) and Dune cinematographer Grieg Fraser. Tim Chan, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2024 The set comes with a sofa, two chairs, and a coffee table. Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coffee-table.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near coffee-table

coffee table

coffee-table

coffee-table book

Cite this Entry

“Coffee-table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coffee-table. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

coffee table

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