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

This playful matcha bowl derives its inspiration from Japanese lore that believes rabbits inhabit the moon. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 10 Oct. 2025

Key Takeaways All types of matcha are full of antioxidants that help protect your cells. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 6 Oct. 2025

To ensure your matcha is smooth and silky, whisk 1 teaspoon of the matcha with warm water and your preferred sweetener until there aren’t any clumps. —Brianna Peters, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2025

Mornings began with ocean views, the sound of the ocean, and a soy matcha latte on my balcony. —Lisa Greissinger, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025

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