Definition

A type of black tea made from young leaves that are slightly larger than those of another variety called orange pekoe.

Example

I enjoy drinking a cup of peko tea in the afternoon.

Conversation

Have you ever tried pekoe tea before?

No, I haven't! What's it like?

It's really smooth, with a nice floral flavor.

That sounds delicious! I should give it a try.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pekoe originates from the Chinese word "白毫" (bái háo), meaning "white down" or "white hair," which refers to the fine white hairs on the young tea leaves. The term was adopted into English through the Dutch word "pekoe," which also refers to this type of tea. Thus, it describes a specific quality of tea made from young leaves.

Memory Tip

Think of the Chinese term for 'white down' to remember that 'pekoe' refers to a type of tea made from young leaves with fine white hairs.

Visually Confused Words