spinach

noun

spin·​ach ˈspi-nich 

1

: an Asian herb (Spinacia oleracea) of the amaranth family cultivated for its edible leaves which form in a dense basal rosette

also : its leaves

2

a

: something unwanted, pretentious, or spurious

b

: an untidy overgrowth

spinachlike

ˈspi-nich-ˌlīk 

adjective

spinachy

ˈspi-ni-chē 

adjective

Examples of spinach in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For Everyone Raw spinach might not fit into everyone's healthy eating plan. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2025

Cover again to wilt the spinach and allow the tomatoes, peppers and spices to cook, stirring occasionally. —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025

If your soil is too acidic for spinach, planting it in pots or raised beds is a good option. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2025

Gently remove eggs with a slotted spoon, and place on top of spinach mixture. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English spinache, from Anglo-French, alteration of Old French espinaces, from Medieval Latin spinachium, ultimately from Arabic isfānākh, from Pers

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spinach

noun

spin·​ach ˈspin-ich 

: a widely grown plant with dark green leaves that are used as food

also : the leaves