quince

noun

ˈkwin(t)s 

1

: the fruit of a central Asian tree (Cydonia oblonga) of the rose family that resembles a hard-fleshed yellow apple and is used especially in preserves

2

: a tree that bears quinces compare Japanese quince

Illustration of quince

• quince 1

Examples of quince in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Body Oil features the same sparkling grapefruit-quince accord and gentle base of jasmine and white musk. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

Displaying aromas of saffron, golden apples and quince, this is medium bodied with impressive ripeness, good acidity and excellent typicity. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

With mouth-watering minerality, balanced acidity, and notes of quince, bergamot, green apple, and jasmine flowers, Leitz Out is perfect picnic fodder. —Oset Babür-Winter, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2025

Cherry trees, grapevines and quince trees were also planted at the site, which is near a structure known as the House of the Garden of Hercules. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English quynce quinces, plural of coyn, quyn quince, from Anglo-French coign, from Latin cotoneum, alteration cydonium, from Greek kydōnion

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing quince

• Japanese quince

Rhymes for quince

• mince
• prince
• rinse
• since
• wince
• convince
• evince

Kids Definition

quince

noun

ˈkwin(t)s 

: the fruit of an Asian tree that resembles a yellow apple with hard flesh and is used especially for marmalade, jelly, and preserves

also : a tree that bears quinces

Medical Definition

quince

noun

ˈkwin(t)s 

: the fruit of a central Asian tree of the genus Cydonia (C. oblonga) that resembles a hard-fleshed yellow apple

also : the tree