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

Add Greek yogurt for extra protein, chia seeds for fiber, or a few chocolate chips because kids will be more excited about a jar with chocolate chips than a bowl of cereal. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026

Blend up a quick smoothie with leafy greens, chia seeds, and your alt milk of choice. —Michele Ross, SELF, 9 Mar. 2026

Dai-Keller adds chia seeds to yogurt for extra fiber, protein, and omega-3s, as a small, practical way to boost nutrient density. —Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026

Rethink the morning meal with ideas like a Greek yogurt bowl with chia seeds, eggs with black beans, cottage cheese with fruit or a smoothie made with milk and nut butter. —Leeann Weintraub, Daily News, 5 Mar. 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
• coffea
• dyspnea
• dyspnoea
• hosea
• idea
• kshatriya
• maria
• medea