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

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

Good sun exposure makes flowering quince produce more blooms from late winter to spring. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 27 May 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

Mornings brought a generous buffet of regional cheeses, handmade sour-cherry and quince jams, and flaky börek pastries. — Anya Von Bremzen, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 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