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

On one end of the recipe spectrum, you have chia seed water — straightforward yet packed with nutritional benefits and textures, namely from the soaked seeds that form a jelly-like consistency.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 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

You can even add a tablespoon or two of chia seeds to your favorite latte recipes and let them sit for 30 minutes before adding ice.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 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

We left the church feeling very tired and sleepy, and walked towards the booths, where, in the midst of flowers and evergreens, they were still selling ices, and lemonade and chia.

From Life in Mexico by Calderón de la Barca, Madame (Frances Erskine Inglis)