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 )

Example Sentences

But what he didn’t realize was remembering that I liked only a splash of milk and an extra shot of matcha fed a hunger in me I didn’t know I longed for.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

Small shifts—such as removing sugar from its matcha base—have helped unlock growth in the category.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 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