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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

Between Boba Fett and John Cena’s Chris Smith, aka Peacemaker, the space mercenary has decades of legend, mystery and good will on his side, most of which his TV series squandered over its brief season.

From Salon

We’d get boba from Bopomofo Cafe and I always get the strawberry corn milk.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times