Standard Lemma guide

kopi

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˈkəʊpi/
  • Malaysia, Singapore: [ˈk˭op˭i]
  • Malaysia, Singapore: [ˈk˭ɔ-]
  • Malaysia, Singapore: [ˈk˭o˧.p˭i˦] approximating Hokkien

1

noun

Meaning 1

A variety of gypsum found in southern Australia, sometimes containing opal, and traditionally used by Indigenous Australian in powdered form as body ornamentation for mourning ceremonies.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Australia, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Coffee as it is traditionally prepared and served in Maritime Southeast Asia.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Baagandji kopi, gabi.

From Malay kopi (“coffee”), from Dutch koffie with further influence of English coffee. Compare Hokkien 咖啡 (ko-pi / ko-phi), Teochew 咖啡 (go1 bi5 / gu1 bi5), Cantonese 咖啡 (go3 bi1).