black tea

American  

noun

1. a tea that has been allowed to wither and ferment under controlled conditions before being subjected to a heating process that stops fermentation and turns the leaves black.

---

Etymology

Origin of black tea

First recorded in 1780–90

Compare meaning

How does black-tea compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• black tea vs. green tea
• oolong vs. black tea

Example Sentences

Lake Mai Ndombe is more than four times larger than Lake Constance, and its water resembles strong black tea.

From Science Daily • Feb. 24, 2026

A rollback of tariffs on coffee and other products like green and black tea should help the company.

From Barron's • Nov. 15, 2025

Some say he spent most tea times with New Yorker reporter Emily Hahn, two legends living legendarily, sharing tales over cucumber sandwiches, curried prawns, scones with clotted cream and strong black tea.

From Salon • Jul. 12, 2025

Take the Yuanyang Martini, an espresso martini with black sesame and black tea or Red Robe, featuring cognac, bourbon, oolong tea and white miso.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

There was no milk, perhaps, but there were cups, spoons, a tin of black tea, even some sugar.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood