plural chia
1
: an annual herb (Salvia hispanica) of the mint family that is native to Mexico and Guatemala, has spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers, and is grown for its grayish, edible, mucilaginous seeds which are eaten whole or used especially to make a beverage or oil
… to develop, test and grow new cultivars of chia that are able to produce seed in the cooler climate of the Upper South and Midwest, with the potential to increase production of this crop with a traceable domestic supply.Susan Smith-Durisek
also : any of several related salvias (especially Salvia columbariae) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico
2
or chia seed : the seed of a chia
When mixed with water, the fiber in chia forms a gel that lowers cholesterol and keeps blood sugar stable.Jane E. Brody
Chia seeds are tiny and have a very mild taste, making them easy to add to all kinds of foods to boost nutrition.Megan Murphy

Examples of chia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Avoid High-Roughage Foods A week before starting colonoscopy prep, avoid foods that are difficult to clear from the colon, like quinoa, chia seeds and nuts. John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 Like most other food products, chia seeds have an expiration date and can go bad. Annie Peterson, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025 The best choices for you and the planet Another important omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid or ALA, is found in nuts and seeds such as walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds — with ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil providing the highest amounts, according to Harvard Medical School’s website. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024 Another of Durham’s favorite tricks is incorporating chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds into the dough—all are rich in protein and fiber. Angela Haupt, TIME, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chia 

Word History

Etymology

Spanish chía, from Nahuatl chía, chian, from Maya chiháan "strong, strengthening"

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chia was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near chia

Cite this Entry

“Chia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chia. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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