Illustration of tea
- tea 1a
plural teas
1
a
: a widely cultivated shrub (Camellia sinensis of the family Theaceae, the tea family) native to China, northern India, and southeastern Asia and having glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers
b
: the leaves, leaf buds, and internodes of the tea plant prepared for use in beverages usually by immediate curing by heat or by such curing following a period of fermentation
Note: Tea may be classified according to its method of manufacture (see black tea, green tea, oolong, white tea) or according to the leaf size of the plant it is produced from (see orange pekoe, pekoe, souchong).
2
: an aromatic beverage prepared from tea leaves by soaking them in usually boiling water
3
a
: any of various plants used like tea
also
: a drink prepared by soaking their parts (such as leaves or roots) and used medicinally or as a beverage
mint tea
an herbal tea
b
: tea rose
4
a
: refreshments usually including tea with sandwiches, crackers, or cookies served in late afternoon
b
: a reception, snack, or meal at which tea is served
5
slang
: marijuana
6
the tea slang
: private or inside information especially of a personal nature
We know there've been breakups, social media battles and maybe even a new romance since the show dropped in February, and it's about time we got the tea on the divorces and everything that's happened since.—
Bethany Barton
—usually used in the phrase spill the teaBethany BartonA former bridesmaid is spilling the tea after her bridezilla now-ex-friend … set her up to look like she stole the show at the wedding.—Adriana Diaz
Adriana DiazHe also spilled the tea on why Ewan McGregor is the funniest actor on set and why out of all the characters in the Star Wars universe, Yoda would be his ideal dinner date.—Neil Shaw
Neil Shawcalled also the T
Examples of tea in a Sentence
Let's meet for tea tomorrow.
That shop does a great afternoon tea.
Recent Examples on the Web
This brunch hotspot serves sweet and savory crepes, made from simple, fresh ingredients, along with a generous selection of coffee and tea.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
The inside chatter and tea leaves say Ross wants to bring McDaniel back next season.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026
Brew Bird serves coffee, tea and wine, and sells raw pottery that patrons can paint in the cafe.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 Jan. 2026
Green Tea Green tea is packed with plant compounds called catechins, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in the body, said Meena Malhotra, MD, ABOM, ABIM, a functional and integrative medicine physician and medical director at Heal n Cure.
—Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tea
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Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
The inside chatter and tea leaves say Ross wants to bring McDaniel back next season.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026
Brew Bird serves coffee, tea and wine, and sells raw pottery that patrons can paint in the cafe.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 Jan. 2026
Green Tea Green tea is packed with plant compounds called catechins, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in the body, said Meena Malhotra, MD, ABOM, ABIM, a functional and integrative medicine physician and medical director at Heal n Cure.
—Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tea
Cite this Entry
“Tea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tea. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tea
noun1
a
: a shrub related to the camellias that has fragrant white flowers and is grown mainly in China, Japan, India, and Sri Lanka
b
: the leaves and leaf buds of the tea prepared for use in beverages
c
: a beverage prepared from tea by soaking the prepared leaves and buds in boiling water
2
: a drink or medicine made by soaking parts (as leaves or dried roots) of plants other than the tea shrub
ginger tea
3
a
: a late afternoon serving of tea and a light meal
b
: a party, snack, or meal at which tea is served
Medical Definition
tea
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a shrub (Camellia sinensis of the family Theaceae, the tea family) cultivated especially in China, Japan, and the East Indies
b
: the prepared and cured leaves, leaf buds, and internodes of the tea plant
2
: a mildly stimulating aromatic beverage prepared from tea leaves by infusion with boiling water
3
: any of various plants resembling tea in properties
also
: an infusion of their leaves used medicinally or as a beverage
TEA
2 of 2 abbreviation
tetraethylammonium
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