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

The bushes are located between the flower garden and the large equipment barn, next to a stand of quince trees, on her property. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 28 July 2026

The options included Australian honey, lemons, macadamia nuts, apples, Jerusalem artichokes, celeriac and quince. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 27 July 2026

There are craft vintages from more than two dozen nonconventional fruits, like elderberries, peaches, quince, plums, and strawberries. — Annie Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2026

Nearly extinct until recent revival efforts, this indigenous Cypriot variety produces a white wine that combines notes of white peach, quince and wildflowers with subtle spice and lively acidity. — Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

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

Rhymes for quince

• mince
• prince
• rinse
• since
• wince
• convince
• evince

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