kombucha

American  

[kawm-boo-chah, kuhm-boo-chuh] / kɔmˈbu tʃɑ, kəmˈbu tʃə /

noun

1. a mildly alcoholic fermented beverage made by adding a live culture of yeast and bacteria to sweetened tea.

---

Etymology

Origin of kombucha

First recorded in 1900–05; probably an English misapplication or misunderstanding of Japanese kombu “seaweed” + cha “tea”

Example Sentences

McCardel didn’t work in a comfortably air-conditioned office with kombucha on tap.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Dr McCartney says while drinks like kombucha present "interesting ideas about the role of the microbiome", there isn't a clear link with how it can help boost your immune system.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

Many cheeses, some pickles, kombucha, tempeh and sourdough bread are all fermented.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

There was a radical traveling nurse who had brought home-brewed kombucha, a college-age activist who didn’t want to be photographed for op-sec reasons, and three white Baby Boomers from local refugee and immigrant aid groups.

From Slate • Sep. 19, 2025

Lower-priced wines are doing particularly badly as young adults favor craft beers, seltzers, kombucha, ciders and other flavored beverages with little or no alcohol.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2025