One syllable: Quince.
kwins
/kwɪns/
Quince is pronounced kwins (/kwɪns/). It has one syllable (Quince), with the stress on "Quince". Quince is a noun referring to a small, hard, aromatic fruit that is typically yellow when ripe. It also denotes a shrub or small tree bearing this fruit, and in culinary contexts, it can describe a flavor or preparation (often made into jams or jellies). The word can also appear in some proper names and historical references related to the fruit's cultivation.
nounQuince is a noun referring to a small, hard, aromatic fruit that is typically yellow when ripe. It also denotes a shrub or small tree bearing this fruit, and in culinary contexts, it can describe a flavor or preparation (often made into jams or jellies). The word can also appear in some proper names and historical references related to the fruit's cultivation.
"The quince trees along the orchard border bloom in early spring."
"She cooked a fragrant quince marmalade that paired beautifully with cheese."
"In the old recipe, you simmered quince with sugar and spices until it thickened."
Quince is pronounced as /kwɪns/, one syllable with the initial cluster /kw/ as in queen, followed by /ɪ/ as in bit, ending with /ns/. The stress is on the only syllable. Tip: start with a quick /k/ release, move to a short /w/ onset, then a short /ɪ/ vowel and close with /ns/. You can hear it as the same vowel sound as in ‘win’ but clipped with the final /s/ and /n/ combo.
Common errors include mispronouncing the initial cluster as /kwɪ/ plus a longer vowel like /i:/, or adding an extra vowel sound after the /s/ (e.g., /kwɪnsə/). Some speakers insert an epenthetic vowel between /n/ and /s/ or confuse the /kw/ with /k/ only. Focus on a clean, rapid onset: /kw/ without delaying the vowel, keep /ɪ/ short, and end swiftly with /ns/ for accurate, crisp pronunciation.
Across accents, the word remains /ˈkwɪns/ or /kwɪns/ in most varieties, but subtle differences occur: US and UK typically maintain a short, lax /ɪ/; Australian English often has a more centralized vowel in the /ɪ/, giving a slightly brighter or more centralized sound. The rhoticity does not affect this word, as there is no r-colored vowel. Consonants /kw/ are consistent; ensure you don’t overshoot to /kwainz/ or /kwiːns/. IPA reference: /kwɪns/ (US/UK/AU).
The difficulty centers on the consonant cluster /kw/ and the short, clipped /ɪ/ vowel before a consonant blend /ns/. Learners often insert an extra vowel or elongate the /ɪ/, producing /ˈkwiːns/ or /ˈkwɪnsi/. Avoid adding a long vowel and maintain a tight, quick /kw/ onset followed by a crisp /ns/. Practicing with minimal pairs like kiss vs. quince helps solidify the exact tongue position for the onset and the final nasal-sibilant cluster.
A distinctive question captures the /kw/ onset and the final /ns/ ending, which many learners mispronounce as /kwɪnsə/ or /ˈkwents/. The correct form is a single closed syllable /kwɪns/ with a reduced, quick release on /s/. This aligns with common search intents asking for precise onset and coda articulation, and it pairs well with audio examples and IPA references for quick verification.
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Quince traces its lineage to the Latin word cydonia, which denoted the quince tree and its fruit. The Latin term likely comes from the Greek kinnon, reflecting the fruit’s ancient cultivation in the Near East and the Mediterranean. The English word quince emerged by the late Middle Ages, borrowing from Old French coing and Latinized forms in medieval botanical texts. Historically, quince was valued more for its fragrance and culinary uses than for raw consumption due to its astringent, hard flesh before cooking. Over centuries, varieties and cultivars spread across Europe, with the fruit appearing in culinary traditions from jam and jelly to paste. In literature and herbals, quince often symbolized abundance and preservation, and the term later broadened in some contexts to include esthetic or flavor descriptions (e.g., quince paste or quince cheese). In modern English, quince retains its botanical identity while also appearing in named varieties, products, and regional recipes, reflecting its enduring culinary and cultural significance.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Quince" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Quince" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Quince" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Quince"
-nch sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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