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
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
Chia seeds are tiny and have a very mild taste, making them easy to add to all kinds of foods to boost nutrition.Megan Murphy

Examples of chia 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.
Optional add-ins include chia seeds or flaxseed, nuts, and ground cinnamon. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2025 All Natural Reduced Fat Plain Greek Strained Yogurt with berries, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds in a jar for a simple yet filling snack. Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Feb. 2025 Indeed, there was recently a case where a patient nearly choked after swallowing dry chia seeds. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025 Due to their high magnesium content, chia seeds can also help lower blood pressure. Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for chia 

Word History

Etymology

Spanish chía, from Nahuatl chía, chian, from Maya chiháan "strong, strengthening"

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chia was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near chia

Cite this Entry

“Chia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chia. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!