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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
Examples of quince in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is waxy and full with a purity of ripe round yellow fruit, quince and lemon.
—Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
The quince imparted a pretty, rosy hue and a subtle citrusy flavor to my crisp (or was that one a crumble?), but those nuances didn’t justify hunting down this sometimes elusive fruit.
—Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024
The one that is inscribed simultaneously in the skin of the quinces and in the face of the painter.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2024
The quinces grow and fall, are eaten or left to rot.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2024
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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
Time Traveler
The first known use of quince was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing quince
Dictionary Entries Near quince
Cite this Entry
“Quince.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quince. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
quince
noun
: 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
: the fruit of a central Asian tree of the genus Cydonia (C. oblonga) that resembles a hard-fleshed yellow apple
also
: the tree
More from Merriam-Webster on quince
Nglish: Translation of quince for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of quince for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quince
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