plural chia
1
: an annual herb (Salvia hispanica) of the mint family that is native to Mexico and Guatemala, has spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers, and is grown for its grayish, edible, mucilaginous seeds which are eaten whole or used especially to make a beverage or oil
… to develop, test and grow new cultivars of chia that are able to produce seed in the cooler climate of the Upper South and Midwest, with the potential to increase production of this crop with a traceable domestic supply.—
Susan Smith-Durisek
Susan Smith-Durisek
also
: any of several related salvias (especially Salvia columbariae) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico
2
or chia seed
: the seed of a chia
When mixed with water, the fiber in chia forms a gel that lowers cholesterol and keeps blood sugar stable.—Jane E. Brody
Jane E. BrodyChia seeds are tiny and have a very mild taste, making them easy to add to all kinds of foods to boost nutrition.—Megan Murphy
Megan MurphyExamples of chia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Try incorporating high-fiber foods like avocados, raspberries, lentils, chia seeds, and cacao nibs into your diet for an easy and delicious way to boost your health.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 July 2025
Curious kids can grow a terrarium environment from seed in only 3-4 days, thanks to quick-growing chia seeds and wheatgrass.
—Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 8 July 2025
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines, and plants including walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds are all rich sources of omega-3s.
—Maria Godoy, NPR, 7 July 2025
In the end, Ouai landed on a formula that pleased everyone across the texture spectrum—one that forgoes silicones for a litany of oils: linseed and chia to define shape, babassu, coconut, and soybean to add moisture and shine.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025
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Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 July 2025
Curious kids can grow a terrarium environment from seed in only 3-4 days, thanks to quick-growing chia seeds and wheatgrass.
—Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 8 July 2025
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines, and plants including walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds are all rich sources of omega-3s.
—Maria Godoy, NPR, 7 July 2025
In the end, Ouai landed on a formula that pleased everyone across the texture spectrum—one that forgoes silicones for a litany of oils: linseed and chia to define shape, babassu, coconut, and soybean to add moisture and shine.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for chia
Cite this Entry
“Chia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chia. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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