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

Illustration of quince
  • quince 1

Examples of quince in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many deciduous ornamentals including redbuds, forsythia, crabapples, fruit trees, quince azaleas and many others were not adversely affected by last summer’s drought and the cold, windy winter and frozen soils that followed. Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025 Sea spray, lemon confit and a hint of spice with quince paste and mandarin oil on the palate with more texture to the wine than the Reserve, giving it a beautiful shape across the long finish. Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 The quince imparts a gentle fruitiness, while hints of orris root and pepper add depth. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 Romanek suggests asymmetrical, unexpected greenery—like delicate quince branches, a lush explosion of jasmine, or wild, wispy grasses. Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quince

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of quince was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Quince.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quince. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

quince

noun
: 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
: the fruit of a central Asian tree of the genus Cydonia (C. oblonga) that resembles a hard-fleshed yellow apple
also : the tree

More from Merriam-Webster on quince

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