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

So now many are gifting themselves doble quinces instead. —R29 Somos, refinery29.com, 16 Jan. 2024

At dusk, the drawing room is reconfigured into a relaxed dining area, serving Moroccan cuisine with an artful twist, from crisp fish pastillas to a richly flavorful beef and quince tagine. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 5 July 2024

Corporate events accounted for part of the Signature Grand’s business, and the facility also hosted special events such as bar mitzvahs, quinces and anniversary, graduation and birthday parties. —Lisa J. Huriash, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2024

Examples of additional species to try forcing include flowering cherry (Yoshino and friends), apple and crabapple, magnolia, quince (flowering shrubs, not the fruit tree, though that may also work), forsythia, witchhazel, certain viburnums, and redbud. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 22 Feb. 2024

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