chia

American  

[chee-uh] / ˈtʃi ə /

noun

1. a plant, Salvia columbariae, of the mint family, native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, having mostly basal, oblong leaves and small blue flowers: the seeds are used as food and as the source of a beverage.

2. any of several similar related plants.

3. a beverage brewed from the seeds of any of these plants.

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Etymology

Origin of chia

1875–80; < Mexican Spanish chía < Nahuatl chiah, chian

Example Sentences

The finished product is indulgent and addictive, flavoring the humble chia seed with freshly brewed Thai tea, maple syrup and vanilla extract, alongside a dollop of homemade coconut whipped cream.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Today, yogurt still primarily exists as a sweet treat, typically enjoyed for breakfast alongside fruit and granola, on chia seed puddings, or as a healthy alternative to ice cream.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

Simple ways to get that in include eating a little over a cup of raspberries, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, or two-thirds cup of black beans.

From Science Daily • Mar. 25, 2026

Videos of people sprinkling chia seeds on top of porridge and nutritionists lauding the benefits of red kidney beans and chickpeas are filling up people's TikTok feeds.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

This species is also sometimes called "chia," and its seeds are used in the same manner as those of our other Salvia, but to no such extent.

From The Wild Flowers of California: Their Names, Haunts, and Habits by Parsons, Mary Elizabeth