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

Romanek suggests asymmetrical, unexpected greenery—like delicate quince branches, a lush explosion of jasmine, or wild, wispy grasses. —Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025

Apple and quince play along with a little lees-y / yogurt note. —Lana Bortolot, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

The mangosteen and quince extract that helps plump up your skin and reduce the look of fine line and wrinkles. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2025

Spring-flowering shrubs such as forsythia, lilac and flowering quince have already formed next year’s flower buds. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 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