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 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

Use kefir as a milk replacement in chia pudding and overnight oats. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 23 July 2026

Use chia seeds and Greek yogurt, drizzle with honey, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon, and in the morning, serve topped with fresh berries and crushed nuts. — Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 18 July 2026

Berries, spinach, chia and nuts add micronutrients that refined carbs cannot deliver. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 15, Miami Herald, 16 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