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

These often feature ingredients like psyllium husk, chia seeds, flaxseed, or whole-grain gluten-free flours that boost protein, fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrient content—naturally supporting gut health through their higher fiber content. —Christina Manian, Health, 29 May 2026

Brighten your next oatmeal, yogurt, parfait, or chia pudding with fresh soursop. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 28 May 2026

Beyond its summery scent, the fragrant salon-grade oil is made with chia seed extract, moringa seed oil, and vitamin E to revitalize dry and tired locks. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 28 May 2026

Something as simple as adding a tablespoon of fresh ground flax or chia seeds to a smoothie can do leaps and bounds improvement in the microbiome itself. —Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 24 May 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