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

Culinary students contribute to the farm stand by preparing and selling items such as spices, sriracha hot sauce, salsa and seasonings. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025

The salsas are bold, the fish is fried to order and the lines — like the other Villa’s — can wrap around the block but still feels like a party. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025

The salsa is available now for a limited time at participating locations in the United States and Canada. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025

How to Make Strawberry Salsa Making strawberry salsa (also known as strawberry nachos) is a quick dessert to set up for others to munch on (or as a late-night sweet treat for yourself). —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2025

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

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