quinoa

noun

qui·​noa ˈkēn-ˌwä 

kē-ˈnō-ə

: an annual herb (Chenopodium quinoa) of the amaranth family that is native to the Andean highlands and is cultivated for its starchy seeds which are used as food and ground into flour

also : its seeds

Examples of quinoa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Try swapping refined grains for whole grains like brown rice or quinoa, adding beans or lentils to soups and salads, and snacking on fiber-rich fruits like apples, oranges, or berries. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025

For an affordable meal, try making a hearty grain bowl with brown rice or quinoa, topped with sautéed vegetables, beans, and a drizzle of olive oil. —Quora, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

When shopping, look for varieties with minimal additives and whole grains like quinoa and brown rice. —Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Ld, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2025

Whole Grains Rice, quinoa, oats, and other whole grains make for another great source of potassium: 100 g of oats contains 350 mg of the mineral, and 100 g of brown rice contains 265 mg. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua kinua

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quinoa

• boa
• noa
• noah
• shoah
• toa
• bryozoa
• metazoa
• polyzoa
• protozoa
• spermatozoa

Kids Definition

quinoa

noun

qui·​noa ki-ˈnō-ə 

: a goosefoot that occurs in the Andes and has starchy seeds that are used as food and ground into flour

also : its seeds