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.
Any barista will tell you how important these features are in day-to-day service. — Sarah Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026 Regular latte art throwdowns have provided a central place for Black and brown baristas to connect and share resources. — Lisa Shames, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026 Food and drink There’s a coffee bar off the lobby which serves up barista drinks using Abracadabra Coffee beans roasted in Vermont. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026 Beans from that region have a slightly different taste than typical American coffee, and baristas in Arabic coffee shops add different spices and flavors. — Jenna Thompson june 29, Kansas City Star, 29 June 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

Rhymes for barista

See All Rhymes for barista

Browse Nearby Words

Barish
barista
barit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Barista.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barista. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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