chia

noun

ˈchē-ə

plural chia

: 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

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.

Rounding out the ingredient list are oats, millet, and amaranth; sesame, flax, and chia seeds; honey, coconut sugar, and olive oil. —

Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 6 Nov. 2024 Use protein powder, fruits, veggies, and nuts—maybe a little peanut butter or some chia seeds—but measure and count the calories carefully. —

Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024 When eaten, chia seeds form a gelatin-like substance that helps soften stools and promotes regular bowel movements. —

Sarah Scott, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024 Adding chia seeds can improve protein content and add omega-3 fatty acids to those bites. 10. —

Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chia