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

Follow more of our reporting on Best Bets for things to do in KC Things To Do These Kansas City spots make great matcha lattes. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2024

The beverage originated in China, but the matcha consumed today was largely influenced by Japan. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 4 June 2024

And the milk teas include rose, taro and matcha flavors. —Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 24 June 2024

The menu includes cappuccinos and lattes, including matcha ones, as well as CBD cookies and cheddar scones. —Jade Simon, Vogue, 20 June 2024

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