quinoa

noun

qui·​noa ˈkēn-ˌwä How to pronounce quinoa (audio)
kē-ˈnō-ə
: an annual herb (Chenopodium quinoa) of the amaranth family that is native to the Andean highlands and is cultivated for its starchy seeds which are used as food and ground into flour
also : its seeds

Examples of quinoa 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.
Eis said that a few alternatives, particularly for anyone who’s allergic to eggs or who is vegan, include soybeans, quinoa, or potatoes, which all contain choline. — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 30 July 2026 Oats, brown rice, barley, millet, and quinoa are also classified as whole grains. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 26 July 2026 To complete the blend, hydrolyzed quinoa helps to reinforce hair and improve manageability. — Nadine Solano, Vogue, 24 July 2026 Toss lentils into grain dishes, such as rice pilaf and quinoa salads. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for quinoa

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua kinua

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quinoa was in 1625

Rhymes for quinoa

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Browse Nearby Words

quino-
quinoa
quinocyanine
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Cite this Entry

“Quinoa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quinoa. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

quinoa

noun
qui·​noa ki-ˈnō-ə How to pronounce quinoa (audio)
: a goosefoot that occurs in the Andes and has starchy seeds that are used as food and ground into flour
also : its seeds

More from Merriam-Webster on quinoa

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quinoa

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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