Search Dictionary
Definition of quinoa

quinoa

/ˈkiːnwɑː/
qui · noa
Plural:quinoas
JUMP TO:

quinoa Lexical Profile

quinoa Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The highly nutritious, protein-rich seed of the quinoa plant, originating in the Andes region of South America, widely consumed as a gluten-free grain substitute.

Example

"She prepared a healthy and filling salad using black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and cooked quinoa."

2

A tall crop plant of the amaranth family (Chenopodium quinoa) native to the Andean highlands of South America, cultivated primarily for its edible seeds rather than its leaves.

Example

"Indigenous farmers in Peru and Bolivia have been cultivating quinoa at high altitudes for thousands of years."

• Nearby Words

quinault river
quince
quincy
quinoa
quintessential
quintessentially
quintet

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into English from Spanish 'quínoa' or 'quinua', which itself is derived from the Quechua word 'kinwa'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Quinoa. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/quinoa
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.