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

In a tribute to the Big Apple, the Foie Gras Parfait is molded in the shape of an apple with a center of quince and apple chutney and covered in a bright red glaze, for a picture-perfect presentation. —Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 13 Dec. 2024

Many images feature Soleimani’s mother’s eerie drawings from her past (a face drawn on a quince, a glyphic fetus on a board). —Max Norman, ARTnews.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Price upon publish date of this article: $20 Quince 100% Organic Cotton Oversized Cardigan $69.90 Buy Now at quince Seeking out a subtle way to surprise your Swiftie? —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024

This is waxy and full with a purity of ripe round yellow fruit, quince and lemon. —Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024

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

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