salsa

noun

sal·​sa ˈsȯl-sə 

ˈsäl-

1

: a usually spicy sauce of chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers that is commonly served with Mexican food

also : a similar sauce made with a main ingredient other than tomatoes

peach salsa

2

: popular music of Latin American origin that has absorbed characteristics of rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock

Examples of salsa in a Sentence

The band was playing salsa.

We're taking classes in salsa.

Recent Examples on the Web

The best way to eat the goat is wrapped in a tortilla with salsa, beans and rice. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

In the offer, consumers get an entrée, chips and salsa and a non-alcoholic drink. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

The concert features Sabrosas Latin Orchestra, San Diego’s first all-female salsa band. — Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

The products include various guacamole dips, pico de gallo, salsas, and other prepared foods containing jalapeños. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, literally, sauce, from Latin, feminine of salsus salted — more at sauce

First Known Use

circa 1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing salsa

• salsa verde

Rhymes for salsa

• balsa
• khalsa

Kids Definition

salsa

noun

sal·​sa ˈsȯl-sə 

ˈsäl-

1

: a spicy sauce of tomatoes, onions, and hot peppers

2

: popular Latin American music with elements of rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock