bubble tea

noun

: a sweet drink of tea mixed typically with milk, tapioca balls, and additional ingredients (such as fresh fruit or fruit syrup) and served hot or cold

called also boba

Word History

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bubble tea was in 1993

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bubble tea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bubble%20tea. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Entry added
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!