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

Search for fibermaxxing on social media and you’ll see any number of recipes for chia pudding and bean salad, as well as influencers talking up the benefits of a high-fiber diet.

From MarketWatch • May 10, 2026

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

Here are seven ways to spruce up your favorite chia seed recipes:

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

There were delightful drinks too, from the manzanita and the chia.

From Her Father's Daughter by Stratton-Porter, Gene