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.

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Etymology

Origin of matcha

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

Example Sentences

On the nights I slept over, he’d bring me matcha lattes in the morning casually like it was no big deal, and every single time, I felt like I’d won an Academy Award.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

I loved the Power Bowl chia-seed pudding with matcha powder and coconut flakes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

A street away, at "Chacho's" cafe, customers in sunglasses sip lattes and matcha tea.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

We especially enjoyed the chunky guacamole served with crispy pork belly, the yellowfin tuna tostados served with a pepita salsa matcha, and the butterflied bronzino served with a tomato avocado salsa and house-made tortillas.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 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