chia

noun

ˈchē-ə 

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

The benefits come from the chia seeds and staying hydrated, not from freezing them. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2026

The smoothie bowl franchise has over 100 locations across the country and believes in going back to original, natural ingredients like acai, cacao, chia pudding, granola, almonds and fruits that hold lots of nutrients, according to its website. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

Use blueberries in overnight oats and parfaits, pancakes, baked goods, açaí bowls, and chia puddings. — Cynthia Sass, Health, 29 July 2026

These tasty crisps contain brown and golden flax, chia, quinoa, and sea salt and are ideal for serving with hummus or for simply snacking on their own. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026

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

Rhymes for chia

• aliya
• aliyah
• althea
• apnoea
• dyspnea
• dyspnoea
• hosea
• idea
• kshatriya
• kyrie
• lutea
• maria