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

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

All plants that bloom in the spring, from dogwoods and azaleas, to tulip magnolias, forsythia, redbuds, and flowering quince have their flower buds set now, or are finishing up setting them. —Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 13 Oct. 2024

Reclaiming and remixing traditions, doble quinces are a growing trend where Latines of all genders celebrate their 30th birthdays with quince-caliber parties. —R29 Somos, refinery29.com, 16 Jan. 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