bubble tea

American  

[buhb-uhl tee] / ˈbʌb əl ˌti /

noun

bubble teas plural

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 ]

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• bubble teas
  plural

Etymology

Origin of bubble tea

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

At the same time, Chinese companies are making a big play for the U.S. consumer when it comes to systemically unimportant stuff, like bubble tea and linen pants.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

For Helena Nicoleti, 8, who wore a T-shirt featuring a capybara drinking bubble tea to the zoo, seeing Kiwi was a highlight, along with the lion and the Mexican axolotl.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

Ellen Jenkins from food and drink consultancy HRA Global draws a comparison between the appearance of the drinks and "gimmicky bubble tea or the bright vapes".

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Mar. 1, 2026

Hot chocolate with Dad and then bubble tea with Sara and her friend.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan