tapioca

noun

tap·​i·​o·​ca ˌta-pē-ˈō-kə 

1

: a usually granular preparation of cassava starch used especially in puddings and as a thickening in liquid food

also : a dish (such as pudding) containing tapioca

2

: cassava

Examples of tapioca in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In comparison, bubble tea can be a bit more challenging to recreate—especially the chewy tapioca pearls that make these drinks so much fun. —Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2024

But Take Note There are a few more ingredients in these teething biscuits compared to other products on our list, including tapioca starch and sunflower lecithin, an emulsifier. —Lauren Capacete, Ms, Rd, Parents, 20 May 2024

The popping pearls were inspired by boba but aren't made of tapioca. —Staff Author, Peoplemag, 10 May 2024

According to Scott Keatley, RD, co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy, traditional bubble tea pearls are made of tapioca, which is a starch extracted from cassava, a root vegetable. —Korin Miller, Health, 9 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese, from Tupi tɨpɨʔóka

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tapioca

noun

tap·​i·​o·​ca ˌtap-ē-ˈō-kə 

: grains or flakes of starch from the cassava root that are used especially in puddings and as a thickening in liquid foods

also : a food (as pudding) that contains tapioca