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
Examples of such foods include beans, avocado, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, mango, prunes, berries, quinoa, and chia seeds, according to Elick.
—Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026
People who have trouble swallowing or who have scarring, inflammation, or narrowing of the esophagus (stricture) should not eat dry chia seeds and should talk with a healthcare provider before eating even soaked chia seeds.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 16 May 2026
Examples include garlic, onions, bananas, apples, oats, asparagus, leeks, avocados, broccoli, cabbage, beans, chia seeds, flax seeds, whole grains, chicory root and Jerusalem artichokes.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026
Foods rich in prebiotics include garlic, onions, bananas, oats, apples, asparagus, beans, flax seeds, chia seeds and whole grains.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for chia
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Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026
People who have trouble swallowing or who have scarring, inflammation, or narrowing of the esophagus (stricture) should not eat dry chia seeds and should talk with a healthcare provider before eating even soaked chia seeds.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 16 May 2026
Examples include garlic, onions, bananas, apples, oats, asparagus, leeks, avocados, broccoli, cabbage, beans, chia seeds, flax seeds, whole grains, chicory root and Jerusalem artichokes.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026
Foods rich in prebiotics include garlic, onions, bananas, oats, apples, asparagus, beans, flax seeds, chia seeds and whole grains.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for chia
Cite this Entry
“Chia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chia. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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