# quinoa

/ˌkiˈnoʊə/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a small, round seed that you cook and eat like a grain. It is very healthy because it has a lot of protein and is often used in salads or as a side dish.

For teachers: the small, edible seed of a plant in the amaranth family, native to the Andes. Often treated as a cereal in culinary contexts due to its high protein content and gluten-free properties.

## Examples

- I usually add quinoa to my salad for extra protein.
- The chef recommended substituting quinoa for rice to give the dish a nuttier flavor and a lighter texture.
- While historically a staple crop for indigenous populations in the Andes, quinoa has gained global prominence as a nutrient-dense superfood suitable for various dietary requirements.

## Usage notes

- Typically treated as uncountable when referring to the food as a mass, though it can be countable when referring to different botanical varieties.

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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.