boba

[boh-buh]

noun

1. Also boba tea bubble tea.

2. (often used with a plural verb),  large, round pearls of tapioca, usually boiled in a sweetened syrup and served in bubble tea.

Word History and Origins

Origin of boba¹

First recorded in 1995–2000; said to be from a dialectal Chinese source akin to Cantonese bo baa or Mandarin bōbà “tapioca pearl,” colloquially, “big-breasted woman,” equivalent to Cantonese bo “ball, breast” (from English ball ¹ ( def. ) ) + baa “overlord, tyrant”

Example Sentences

Kick off your adventure at Odd One Out, an award-winning boba tea shop, then take a quick walk to the Giant Robot store, which is often cited as the birthplace of Asian pop culture products.

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Also featured in the auction is Star Wars character Boba Fett's original blaster prop from The Empire Strikes Back, which is expected to fetch between £350,000 and £700,000.

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More than a hot spot for buzzy restaurants and boba shops, this neighborhood reflects the legacy of Japanese immigrants.

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On the agenda are an intense morning workout, dinner with loved ones at a Filipino restaurant that reminds him of home, and a cup of boba at the park.

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There was never any official competition between “Peacemaker” and “The Book of Boba Fett,” even though they share a few common traits.

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