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

Combine 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with one-half cup of an unsweetened milk, such as almond milk. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 11 Mar. 2025

For example, one tablespoon of chia seeds provides two grams of protein, while one tablespoon of hemp seeds provides four grams. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2025

The single-serving packets contain oats packed with fiber and protein, plus add-ins like chia seeds and hulled buckwheat for a hearty, chewy texture. —Hana Asbrink, Bon Appétit, 5 Mar. 2025

Try sprinkling ground flaxseed or chia seeds on granola and yogurt, and snack on small quantities of nuts during the day. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024

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