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 ethereal scent opens with the tart bite of quince (a pear-like fruit) and a kick of pink pepper. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026

An unwanted pest was found amid quince fruit that an incoming passenger had with them at Detroit Metro Airport. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025

However, unlike pears, which require more winter cold than Southern California experiences in order to flower and fruit, quince can grow anywhere in California. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 Dec. 2025

Yet in some places, quince endures. —Benjamin Kemper, Saveur, 26 Nov. 2025

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