What does "americano" mean?
A drink made of espresso coffee diluted with hot water.
Americano
noun
noun ·5 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A drink made of espresso coffee diluted with hot water.
- Grammar: americano is listed as noun.
- Usage evidence: Michael the swarthy Hongkonger says, "I like Venti Americano," whilst holding his coffee cup.
How to use "americano"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "americano" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "americano" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "americano" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "americano" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "americano" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with a nearby word before publishing so the final choice matches the reader's expectations.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "americano", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A drink made of espresso coffee diluted with hot water. countable, uncountable
"“No, the coffee. Do you want a cup of Americano?” I groaned. Welcome to Europe. “Can't I just get a cup of regular coffee? A little cream, a little sugar?” […] “An Americano is a shot of espresso with hot water added.” “I don't know why they call it Americano. No one in America drinks espresso and hot water.”"
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of americano. alt-of, countable, uncountable
"Formerly used only in Italy and Seattle, it includes such tongue activators as latte, lungo, cappuccino, ristretto, macchiato, mochaccino and Americano."
- 3 A cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and club soda. countable, uncountable
"The waiters wore striped waistcoats and green baize aprons. Bond ordered an Americano and examined the sprinkling of overdressed customers, mostly from Paris he guessed, who sat talking with focus and vivacity, creating that theatrically clubbable atmosphere of l'heure de l'aperitif."
- 4 An American. countable
"I hear that your people love the Americanos, so much even that they always yield to them, and would almost kiss their boots, which is not dignified for a great nation. Do the Americanos love your people? Have they not still in their pockets the surplus of the millions of pesetas given to them when they complained of the ship Alabama?"
Example
"Michael the swarthy Hongkonger says, "I like Venti Americano," whilst holding his coffee cup."
Common questions
How do you use "americano" in a sentence?
Michael the swarthy Hongkonger says, "I like Venti Americano," whilst holding his coffee cup.
Etymology
1970s, from Italian (caffè) americano or American Spanish americano (“American (coffee)”). Cocktail sense from Italian americano.