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

Associate manager of audience strategy Carly Westerfield likened the flavor to an espresso martini, and senior Test Kitchen editor Shilpa Uskokovic appreciated the caramelly notes (likely from the unique addition of tapioca syrup in the ingredients list). —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 June 2026

Many of these products are made with ingredients like chicory root, which contains inulin, or soluble tapioca and corn fiber. —Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026

Soluble tapioca and corn fibers can also add bulk and sweetness without the same sugar load as regular candy. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026

These snappy, oblong toasts are made with a blend of rice, tapioca, and potato flours, which are combined with a base of egg whites and tangy buttermilk. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese, from Tupi tɨpɨʔóka

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tapioca

• boca
• bocca
• broca
• cloaca
• coca
• loca
• phoca

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