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

Try our focaccia, spinach, pesto, gouda, and ham line-up first, or swap in alternative breads, cheeses, proteins, and flavor-boosters. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025

Fresh spinach is added just before serving. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2025

The top five on this list are spinach, strawberries, kale, grapes, and peaches. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025

Add the spinach and toss to combine. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 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