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

Fatty fish like mackerel and tuna, along with flax seeds, chia seeds, and various nuts can also provide your daily dose of omega-3. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 June 2024

After all, chia seeds are pretty much a nutritional powerhouse. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 18 June 2024

The glass eel is barely visible, but for a dark stripe—its developing backbone—and a couple of chia seeds for eyes. —Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 17 June 2024

Divide and top each bowl with remaining ingredients: chia seeds, blueberries, coconut, goji berries, low-fat granola and sprig of mint. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 8 June 2024

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

Phrases Containing chia

• chia seed