quince

noun

ˈkwin(t)s 

1

: the fruit of a central Asian tree (Cydonia oblonga) of the rose family that resembles a hard-fleshed yellow apple and is used especially in preserves

2

: a tree that bears quinces compare Japanese quince

Illustration of quince

• quince 1

Examples of quince in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Landscaping the backyard and adding privacy plants while maintaining existing varieties, such as quince, pomegranate, apple, plum, orange, pineapple guava and fig trees. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025

The palate reveals flavors of ripe quince, earthy Manuka honey, and black pepper. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Flavorful Mexican food found abounds at places like Xochimilco Restaurant, but his go-to local spot is Flowers of Vietnam, featuring elegant Vietnamese food (think pork belly with young coconut, quail egg, and coconut caramel) and cocktails including a honeydew–quince–green tea margarita. —AFAR Media, 14 May 2025

This body wash smells sweet and floral—with sparkling notes of pink prosecco, quince, and peonies—and is infused with pro-vitamins. —Allure Editors, Allure, 13 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English quynce quinces, plural of coyn, quyn quince, from Anglo-French coign, from Latin cotoneum, alteration cydonium, from Greek kydōnion

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing quince

• Japanese quince

Rhymes for quince

• mince
• prince
• rinse
• since
• wince
• convince
• evince

Kids Definition

quince

noun

ˈkwin(t)s 

: the fruit of an Asian tree that resembles a yellow apple with hard flesh and is used especially for marmalade, jelly, and preserves

also : a tree that bears quinces

Medical Definition

quince

noun

ˈkwin(t)s 

: the fruit of a central Asian tree of the genus Cydonia (C. oblonga) that resembles a hard-fleshed yellow apple

also : the tree