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
Consuming excessive amounts of chia seeds can lead to additional side effects or health problems like digestive upset.
—Rachael Zimlich, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
Nuts and seeds, such as hemp seeds, chia seeds, Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds, are excellent options for boosting the magnesium content of your diet.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 16 July 2025
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
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Rachael Zimlich, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
Nuts and seeds, such as hemp seeds, chia seeds, Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds, are excellent options for boosting the magnesium content of your diet.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 16 July 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for chia
Cite this Entry
“Chia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chia. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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