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

Thursdays and Fridays are after-work nights, and members can have a matcha, complete with collagen or creatine shots — or a beer or glass of wine. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Nadeylin said their matcha comes from Uji, Japan, and is very high quality. — Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026

The breakfast buffet includes plenty of healthy options, such as overnight oats, matcha, and Greek yogurt with fresh figs and thyme honey. — Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 26 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

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