matcha

American  

[mah-chuh] / ˈmɑ tʃə /

noun

1. a finely ground powder made from small green tea leaves that have been steamed briefly, then dried, used to make tea and as a flavoring in desserts.

2. tea made by mixing this powder with hot water, traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony.

---

Etymology

Origin of matcha

< Japanese < matsu “to rub” + cha “tea” (< Chinese chá )

Explanation

Matcha is green tea that's been ground to a very fine powder. Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies involve making, serving, and drinking matcha. The Japanese roots of matcha are matsu, "to rub," and cha, "tea." The drink's history in Japan goes back to a 12th century Zen Buddhist monk who brought green tea seeds home from China and started "the way of tea," the ceremony that involves whisking powdered matcha into hot water. Today matcha's distinctive grassy flavor can also be found in frothy milk drinks, baked goods, and ice cream.

Example Sentences

Probably because I’m sleep-deprived, I’m getting another matcha and a hot water with lemon.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Erewhon, Los Angeles’ trendy health food cafe and retailer, will bring its signature smoothies, matcha and coffee to Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s new David Geffen Galleries.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

But for others - regardless of how eye-catching or how many syrups have been added, they will never enjoy the taste of matcha.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

In the loop outside the theater are food trucks, buffets, and more than half a dozen Vancouver-area coffee, tea, and matcha pop-ups serving unlimited boutique offerings.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

It is not the full tea ceremony that she has performed on several occasions over the years, but as Tsukiko slowly prepares two bowls of green matcha, it is beautiful and calming nonetheless.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern