tea ball

American  

noun

1. a small ball of perforated metal or other material in which tea leaves are placed to be immersed in hot water to make tea.

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tea ball British  

noun

1. a perforated metal ball filled with tea leaves and put in boiling water to make tea

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Etymology

Origin of tea ball

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Strain the thyme out unless you use a tea ball.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 20, 2024

Pour the contents of the simmered pot, including the tea ball, into the mixture of cold water and soy sauce.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 14, 2021

Add tea ball to the pot, and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 14, 2021

"Somebody throw another tea ball in that poor guy's tea," bellowed Gleason.

From Time Magazine Archive

“Tell us exactly who sent you each bunch?” demanded Jessie, passing a box of ginger-snaps, while Judy performed miracles with a tea ball, a small kettle and a varied assortment of cups and saucers.

From Molly Brown's Freshman Days by Speed, Nell