barista

noun

ba·​ris·​ta bə-ˈrē-stə How to pronounce barista (audio)
bä-ˈrē-stä
: a person who makes and serves coffee (such as espresso) to the public

Examples of barista in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Our baristas are trained to focus on details that often get overlooked, like dialing in extraction times, adjusting grind size based on humidity and temperature, and properly texturing milk into microfoam. Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 13 May 2026 In Uthmeier’s mind, the world is unfairly denying white men careers as head coaches and coffeehouse baristas. Scott Maxwell, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2026 Individuals were randomly assigned to either be as efficient as possible when placing their order - no small talk with the staff - or to be more social with the barista. Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 9 May 2026 Starbucks said its baristas currently average $30 an hour in total pay and benefits. Phil Wahba, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barista

Word History

Etymology

Italian, person working behind a bar, from bar bar (from English) + - ista -ist entry 1

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barista was in 1982

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Barista.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barista. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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