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

The new Sakura Market features a mini-mart, sake and beer bar, sushi buffet, instant ramen bar, and matcha tea shop. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 24 June 2026

Rang sells different flavors of matcha, from a standard matcha latte to other flavors such as guava matcha, a cookie butter matcha, a double strawberry matcha, an ube matcha and a pandan matcha which with tropical coconut and vanilla flavors. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026

Research shows that regular consumption of matcha can help prevent atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque in the arteries) and improve heart health. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 20 June 2026

Pandan waffles, matcha flan and durian smoothies, among other Southeast Asian treats, round out the menu. — Christopher Hassiotis, AJC.com, 18 June 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