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

Since opening, the hotel has partnered with local businesses for monthly events, such as a matcha demonstration and sushi tasting. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026

Tea options include Thai iced tea, a matcha latte and various flavors of black, oolong, green, white and tisane teas. —Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 5 May 2026

The Vintage offers beignet flights with specialty flavors like matcha, raspberry and blueberry cheesecake, plus beignet bites and a savory version served with bacon gravy. —Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026

This spot offers beignet flights with specialty flavors like matcha, raspberry and blueberry cheesecake, plus beignet bites and even a savory version with bacon gravy. —Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 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