doppio: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Specialised (Coffee), Formal/Literary (Historic/Loanword)
Quick answer
What does “doppio” mean?
A double espresso, typically made with a double shot of coffee (approximately 60ml/2 fl oz).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A double espresso, typically made with a double shot of coffee (approximately 60ml/2 fl oz).
Primarily a coffee term. In a broader, often historical or literary context, it can be used as an Italian loanword to describe something double, twofold, or duplicated (e.g., a doppio meaning a copy, a twin, or a double agent). In musical terminology, 'doppio movimento' means double speed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. It is equally recognised in coffee culture in both regions. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Conveys sophistication or authenticity, implying knowledge of proper coffee terminology, often used in specialty coffee shops.
Frequency
Low frequency in general English, but standard within the lexicon of baristas, coffee enthusiasts, and related menus.
Grammar
How to Use “doppio” in a Sentence
[Customer] ordered a doppio.The [drink] is a doppio.I'll have a [drink type], make it a doppio.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doppio” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form in English]
American English
- [No standard verb form in English]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form in English]
American English
- [No standard adverb form in English]
adjective
British English
- She preferred a doppio macchiato to a single.
- The doppio option costs more.
American English
- He always gets a doppio latte.
- Is the doppio charge included?
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the hospitality and food & beverage industry, particularly in cafe operations and menu descriptions.
Academic
Virtually absent, except perhaps in historical or linguistic studies discussing loanwords.
Everyday
Used by coffee drinkers in cafes, especially specialty coffee shops. Not common in general conversation.
Technical
Standard terminology in barista training, coffee brewing, and menu specification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “doppio”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “doppio”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doppio”
- Using 'doppio' as a general adjective (e.g., 'a doppio problem').
- Pronouncing it as /ˈdɒpioʊ/ (with a pure 'o') instead of /ˈdɒpɪəʊ/ (with a schwa/ɪə sound).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'doppio' specifically refers to a drink made with two shots of espresso. A 'large coffee' typically refers to a large filter or brewed coffee, which is a different brewing method and taste profile.
It is very rare and stylised. While historically it could mean 'double', in modern English it is almost exclusively a coffee term. Using it otherwise may confuse listeners or sound pretentious.
A doppio is brewed as one double shot into a single cup, which can affect the extraction and crema. Two separate espressos are brewed sequentially into two cups. Purists argue the doppio has a slightly different, often preferred, balance.
Not strictly, but the standard English pronunciations (/ˈdɒpɪəʊ/ in UK, /ˈdɑːpioʊ/ in US) approximate the Italian. Avoid anglicising it to sound like 'dopey-oh'.
A double espresso, typically made with a double shot of coffee (approximately 60ml/2 fl oz).
Doppio is usually technical/specialised (coffee), formal/literary (historic/loanword) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms in English]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'DOuble espresso, Please, I Order' - the first letters spell DOPPIO.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTENSITY IS DOUBLING (a doppio is a more intense coffee experience).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'doppio' most commonly used in modern English?