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
Pairing chia seeds with yogurt boosts digestive health by combining fiber, healthy fats, and probiotics to promote a balanced gut.
—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
1 July 2026
Sesame seeds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds all contain oils that oxidize and turn rancid faster in warm conditions.
—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
1 July 2026
The soluble fiber in chia seeds absorbs liquid and forms a gel-like texture in the digestive tract.
—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
1 July 2026
Among the mushrooms, chia seeds, and other ingredients being added to mealtimes is sea moss.
—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for chia
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Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
1 July 2026
Sesame seeds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds all contain oils that oxidize and turn rancid faster in warm conditions.
—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
1 July 2026
The soluble fiber in chia seeds absorbs liquid and forms a gel-like texture in the digestive tract.
—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
1 July 2026
Among the mushrooms, chia seeds, and other ingredients being added to mealtimes is sea moss.
—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
24 June 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 5 Jul. 2026.
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