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

Spring-flowering shrubs such as forsythia, lilac and flowering quince have already formed next year’s flower buds. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025

Just like the original fragrance it’s based on, this oil features an aromatic mix of juicy grapefruit, apple-like quince, and soft, powdery florals (jasmine and rose, to be exact) all balanced with a musky base. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 18 Feb. 2025

Made by letting grape juice ferment alongside juice from apples, quince, or cherries and other fruit, coferments are hard to categorize but easy to enjoy. —Oset Babür-Winter, Bon Appétit, 11 Feb. 2025

El Five has a four-course menu for the festivities, offering Spanish delicacies such as jamon ibérico, goat cheese with quince jam, patatas bravas, paella and crème brûlée. —Miguel Otárola, The Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for quince

• mince
• prince
• rinse
• since
• wince
• convince
• evince

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