bubble tea

American  

[buhb-uhl tee] / ˈbʌb əl ˌti /

noun

1. a frothy East Asian beverage consisting of sweetened tea with milk or flavorings, usually served over black pellets, or pearls, of tapioca.

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bubble tea British  

noun

1. a cold drink, originally from Taiwan, of tea infused with fruit flavouring, shaken to produce bubbles, and served over tapioca pearls in a clear cup. It is usually drunk through a very wide straw

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Usage

What does bubble tea mean? Bubble tea, also known as boba, is a Taiwanese drink of tea infused with milk or fruit and served over tapioca balls, called bubbles or boba. How is bubble tea pronounced?[ buhb-uhl tee ]

Etymology

Origin of bubble tea

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Studies of children in China who frequently drink bubble tea have found higher rates of anxiety and depression.

From Science Daily • Mar. 1, 2026

There have been plenty of food and drink crazes over the years - matcha, bubble tea, cronuts, and the Starbucks olive oil coffee that we're still disappointed didn't really catch on.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025

The bubble tea shop has drinks named after different New York City neighborhoods, offers multiple tea and juice bases, as well as dairy alternatives.

From Salon • Oct. 31, 2025

That’s evident in wildfire sales of Labubu dolls, jewelry and bubble tea, trends that have minted big bucks for the companies behind them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

“Oh! Guess what? There’s a new bubble tea place opening today. They’re giving out free samples. Let’s go check them out!”

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence