quinoa

noun

qui·​noa ˈkēn-ˌwä 

kē-ˈnō-ə

: an annual herb (Chenopodium quinoa) of the amaranth family that is native to the Andean highlands and is cultivated for its starchy seeds which are used as food and ground into flour

also : its seeds

Examples of quinoa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

None of these will replace a chicken breast serving on their own, but pairing quinoa with beans or tofu builds a plate that meets or exceeds what a chicken portion would deliver. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 9, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

Turkey, eggs, seafood, tofu, lentils, quinoa and even peanuts each contribute in different ways, and rotating between them gives you a broader range of vitamins and minerals along the way. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Cover, increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until the quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026

Keep a mix of shelf-stable grains, such as basmati rice, farro, quinoa, or oats, in the pantry. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua kinua

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quinoa

• boa
• noa
• noah
• shoah
• toa
• bryozoa
• metazoa
• polyzoa
• protozoa
• spermatozoa

Kids Definition

quinoa

noun

qui·​noa ki-ˈnō-ə 

: a goosefoot that occurs in the Andes and has starchy seeds that are used as food and ground into flour

also : its seeds