quince

noun

ˈkwin(t)s 

1

: the fruit of a central Asian tree (Cydonia oblonga) of the rose family that resembles a hard-fleshed yellow apple and is used especially in preserves

2

: a tree that bears quinces compare Japanese quince

Illustration of quince

• quince 1

Examples of quince in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And on May 20, eight newest quince queens with their partners — all in formal wear — gracefully danced the traditional waltz that highlights the event. —Lola Sherman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2023

In spring, that means an indoor-outdoor storefront filled with daffodils, fritillaria and branches of quince, forsythia and cherry to take home, as well as faux-bois concrete planters, slipware dishes and Easter-table-ready bud vases. —Nicole Demarco Dalya Benor Caitie Kelly Juan A. Ramírez Monica Mendal Janet Siroto, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024

Brilliant gold in the glass, this wine has complex aromas of white peach, vanilla, tangerine, and beeswax and flavors of roasted hazelnuts, marzipan, yellow peach, and quince. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2024

Peaches, pears, apricots, quinces, strawberries, and apples are members of the rose family. —Deb Wiley, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2024

Kale and Herb Salad With Poached Quince Like wedges of rose quartz, poached quince dazzles in this salad of hearty greens and tender, sprightly herbs. —G. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2023

Drawing equally on the culinary traditions of Mexico City and Asturias in northern Spain, where the owners trace their roots, El Sella serves an excellent chorizo cooked in cider and a fine dessert of ate con queso (quince paste with cheese) flambéed tableside. —Jorge Valencia Mariano Fernandez, New York Times, 14 Nov. 2023

La Marina Cuvée Océane 2022 (2 stars) Côtes de Gascogne, France, $13 Bright and tart, with flavors of quince and green apple, this is an easy-drinking white for sipping before dinner or with entree salads. —Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2023

Inside is this Van Cleef & Arpels necklace named after the tree that bears quince. —Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, 21 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English quynce quinces, plural of coyn, quyn quince, from Anglo-French coign, from Latin cotoneum, alteration cydonium, from Greek kydōnion

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing quince

• Japanese quince

Kids Definition

quince

noun

ˈkwin(t)s 

: the fruit of an Asian tree that resembles a yellow apple with hard flesh and is used especially for marmalade, jelly, and preserves

also : a tree that bears quinces

Medical Definition

quince

noun

ˈkwin(t)s 

: the fruit of a central Asian tree of the genus Cydonia (C. oblonga) that resembles a hard-fleshed yellow apple

also : the tree