kombucha

American  

[kawm-boo-chah, kuhm-boo-chuh] / kɔmˈbu tʃɑ, kəmˈbu tʃə /

noun

1. a mildly alcoholic fermented beverage made by adding a live culture of yeast and bacteria to sweetened tea.

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Etymology

Origin of kombucha

First recorded in 1900–05; probably an English misapplication or misunderstanding of Japanese kombu “seaweed” + cha “tea”

Example Sentences

McCardel didn’t work in a comfortably air-conditioned office with kombucha on tap.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Many people turn to fermented drinks like kombucha which promises to boost the microbiome and, by extension, the immune system.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

Many cheeses, some pickles, kombucha, tempeh and sourdough bread are all fermented.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

I’m an avid gardener who has dusted my plants with compost and brewed her own kombucha.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

Like me, you probably just wanted a little kombucha, as a treat.

From Slate • Jun. 17, 2024