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

Adidas Running Hydration & Matcha Ritual Vest, which reimagines the traditional running vest as an on-the-go matcha kit for runners balancing exertion with recovery. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

The menu also lists protein shakes, matcha, coffee and smoothies as well as acai bowls, sandwiches and breakfast bowls. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Specialty coffee and a wide selection of alternatives to traditional Italian coffee—from hojicha and coconut cloud matcha to chai. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026

Perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or a caffeine hit, Cafe Dune is an adorable coffee bar on the ground floor offering counter service for espresso drinks, matcha, and fresh pastries. — Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 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