quinoa

noun

qui·​noa ˈkēn-ˌwä How to pronounce quinoa (audio)
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
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.
Consider using quinoa instead of rice, or mixing in hot dogs. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2025 It’s infused with nourishing ingredients like quinoa protein and plant butters to help strengthen and hydrate while toning unwanted warm tones. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2025 Rinse the grains thoroughly before cooking and ensure the quinoa is extra soft to reduce the need to chew. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Oct. 2025 When adding cooked quinoa, add it for the last minute of cooking to heat through. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quinoa

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua kinua

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quinoa was in 1625

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Cite this Entry

“Quinoa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quinoa. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

quinoa

noun
qui·​noa ki-ˈnō-ə How to pronounce quinoa (audio)
: a goosefoot that occurs in the Andes and has starchy seeds that are used as food and ground into flour
also : its seeds

More from Merriam-Webster on quinoa

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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