quince

noun

ˈkwin(t)s How to pronounce quince (audio)
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

Illustration of quince
  • quince 1

Examples of quince in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The composition opens with quince and grapefruit for a bright, citrusy lift, while rose and jasmine lend a softer floral quality at the heart. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 The tenth-century Persian physician Rhazes suggested small, protein-rich meals of chicken or goat to encourage good humors, and quinces and pomegranates to restore appetite. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026 The figure holds what may be a quince in its right hand, possibly an offering to a deity. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Terraza enjoys substituting guava for quince or pear in dessert recipes for a fun, tropical twist. — Su-Jit Lin, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for quince

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of quince was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing quince

Rhymes for quince

See All Rhymes for quince

Browse Nearby Words

Quinault
quince
quinceañera
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quince.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quince. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

quince

noun
ˈkwin(t)s How to pronounce quince (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce quince (audio)
: the fruit of a central Asian tree of the genus Cydonia (C. oblonga) that resembles a hard-fleshed yellow apple
also : the tree

More from Merriam-Webster on quince

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quince

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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