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 three-course lunch menu is exceptional value at €58 ($68), featuring locavore produce like delicate omble chevalier (Arctic char) line-fished in the deep icy waters of Lake Annecy, or a simple onion, cooked with a sweet almond cream, quince, and rosemary oil. —John Brunton, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026

Notes of bright grapefruit and quince bring a fresh, fruit-forward sparkle, while sheer jasmine softens the blend, leaving a light, elegant trail on the skin. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026

Picture warm almond and rice paper with quince, pink pepper, and labdanum. —Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026

Azizam, the Silver Lake cafe embracing homier-style cooking (where specials like autumnal short rib simmer with quince, prunes, carrots and potatoes) represents a rare, wonderful exception. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 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