noun
matcha
MAT-chuh
Matcha (noun) means Green tea leaves ground into a fine powder, whisked with hot water as part of the Japanese tea ceremony. Example: “She whisked the matcha into a smooth, frothy green drink.”
noun
1
Green tea leaves ground into a fine powder, whisked with hot water as part of the Japanese tea ceremony.
"She whisked the matcha into a smooth, frothy green drink."
"The café now serves a matcha latte alongside its usual coffees."
"Good matcha has a vivid green colour and a slightly grassy taste."
How to use matcha
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMatcha is a bright green tea powder that you whisk into hot water or milk.
When to use it
It is an everyday word in food and drink contexts, not a formal or technical term.
Memory tip
Do not confuse it with mocha, which is a coffee and chocolate drink.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
matcha latte
matcha powder
whisk the matcha
cup of matcha
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like matcha.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She whisked the _____ into a smooth, frothy green drink.
Etymology
Matcha was borrowed from Japanese, where it is written 抹茶. The word combines matsu, meaning to rub or wipe, with cha, meaning tea.
Frequently asked questions
What is matcha?
It is green tea that has been ground to a fine powder and whisked into hot water, the drink central to the Japanese tea ceremony.
How is matcha different from ordinary green tea?
Matcha is ground into a fine powder and whisked into water, rather than steeped as loose leaves.
Where does the word matcha come from?
It comes from Japanese, combining a word meaning to rub or wipe with the word for tea.
What is the meaning of matcha?
"matcha" (noun) means green tea leaves ground into a fine powder, whisked with hot water as part of the Japanese tea ceremony.
