chai

/ʧɑɪ/

In Western countries, chai is a sweet, milky, slightly spicy tea. If you're not a coffee drinker, you might start your day with a hot cup of chai instead.

The word chai means "tea" in Hindi, from the Mandarin word for "tea," ch'a. This is why it might make a South Asian person giggle to hear you order a "chai tea," which literally means "tea tea." In India, masala chai is the specific name of the familiar milky tea flavored with cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and other spices that's so beloved around the world.

Definitions of chai

1. noun

   the name of tea in various languages
   synonyms: tea

   types:

   cambric tea

   a beverage for children containing hot water and milk and sugar and a small amount of tea

   cuppa, cupper

   a cup of tea

   herb tea, herbal, herbal tea

   tea-like drink made of leaves of various herbs

   ice tea, iced tea

   strong tea served over ice

   sun tea

   tea made by exposing tea leaves steeped in water to the direct rays of the sun; usually served with ice

   tisane

   infusion of e.g. dried or fresh flowers or leaves

   type of:

   beverage, drink, drinkable, potable

   any liquid suitable for drinking
2. noun

   a beverage made with black tea, milk, sugar or honey, and spices