# chia

/ˈtʃiə/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chia
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a small, dark seed from a plant in the mint family that is very healthy to eat. You often soak them in liquid to make a thick pudding or add them to smoothies.

For teachers: the edible seeds of Salvia hispanica, a flowering plant in the mint family native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. Frequently used in culinary contexts for their high fiber and omega-3 fatty acid content.

## Examples

- I like to add chia seeds to my morning yogurt.
- The café serves a popular chia pudding topped with fresh mango and coconut milk.
- Due to their hydrophilic properties, chia seeds can absorb up to twelve times their weight in liquid, creating a mucilaginous gel often used as a vegan egg substitute in baking.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.