chia

noun

ˈchē-ə 

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

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, 27 June 2025

Chia Seeds Often described as a superfood, chia seeds contain fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and essential omega-3 fatty acids.5 Chia seeds can be sprinkled, mixed, or added to virtually any food or drink. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 27 June 2025

Athletes who struggle with GI issues from traditional gels often find that Huma Gels—made with fruit purees, chia seeds, and brown rice syrup—sit easier in their stomachs. —Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 26 June 2025

Some sweet options included using it as an add-on for iced matcha lattes, mixing it into Greek yogurt, or topping chia seed pudding. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2025

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

Rhymes for chia

• aliya
• aliyah
• althea
• apnoea
• coffea
• dyspnea
• dyspnoea
• hosea
• idea
• kshatriya
• maria
• medea