French press
French press is an immersion brewing method in which ground coffee steeps in water before a plunger with a mesh filter separates most of the grounds.
How it works
Ground coffee is combined with water and left to steep. The plunger is then pressed down, pushing a metal mesh filter through the brew and retaining most of the larger grounds.
Why coarse grind is common
Coarser particles are commonly used for immersion brewing because they can be easier to separate through the mesh and can work well with longer contact times.
Cup character
Metal filtration allows more oils and fine particles through than a paper filter, so French press coffee often has more body and sediment.
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Accuracy note: Coffee terminology and recommended brewing parameters can vary by producer, roaster, equipment and recipe. Where a term is not universally standardised, this site says so rather than presenting one convention as a rule.