quince

noun

ˈkwin(t)s

: 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

: a tree that bears quinces compare Japanese quince

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 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 The bushes are located between the flower garden and the large equipment barn, next to a stand of quince trees, on her property. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 28 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

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

Quinault

quince

quinceañera

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Quince.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quince. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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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

quince

noun

Illustration of quince

Examples of quince in a Sentence

Word History

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Medical Definition

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quince

noun

Illustration of quince

Examples of quince in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing quince

Rhymes for quince

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to quince

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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