matcha

noun

ˈmä-chə 

ˈma-

plural matchas

: a green powder made from ground green tea leaves that is used to make tea and other beverages and as a flavoring agent

Our meal began with matcha, the traditional green tea of the tea ceremony. The powder is spooned into a ceramic bowl, hot water added and the mixture whisked to a frothy jade.

—Alan Brown

Walk into a coffee shop or peruse Instagram and you're sure to have seen a matcha latte.

—Alysha Witwicki

also : tea made from matcha

At the time, he often experienced midafternoon malaise and began drinking hot matcha on his brother's recommendation.

—Jill Radsken

Examples of matcha in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For a more modern approach, a handheld frother blends matcha powder with milk for a smooth, silky drink. — Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 June 2026

Find seven frosted glass nail ideas that range from Popsicle-stained to iced matcha hues, ahead. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 July 2026

Its signature green matcha is not the bright green color that’s gotten matcha so much attention in recent years. — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

The new beverage will combine matcha, milk and ice, layered with creamy citrus notes for a refreshing answer to summer’s hottest days. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Japanese, from mat-, form in compounding of matsu "to rub, daub, paint" + cha "tea"

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above