black tea

American  

noun

1. a tea that has been allowed to wither and ferment under controlled conditions before being subjected to a heating process that stops fermentation and turns the leaves black.

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Etymology

Origin of black tea

First recorded in 1780–90

Compare meaning

How does black-tea compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• black tea vs. green tea
• oolong vs. black tea

Example Sentences

The Taiwanese beverage, which blends black tea, milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca pearls, has spread worldwide since it first appeared in the 1980s.

From Science Daily • Mar. 1, 2026

A rollback of tariffs on coffee and other products like green and black tea should help the company.

From Barron's • Nov. 15, 2025

Take the Yuanyang Martini, an espresso martini with black sesame and black tea or Red Robe, featuring cognac, bourbon, oolong tea and white miso.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

Another challenge for black tea is that even for those for whom it is a staple, costs are rising and so they are buying in smaller volumes.

From BBC • Dec. 7, 2024

When Taisin and Con returned to camp, Shae had brewed strong black tea for them, and Kaede and Pol had already disassembled the tents.

From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo