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

Menu specials include two appetizers, a deviled eggs trio with bacon and pickle, smoked salmon, pink peppercorn and chives; and oysters Rockefeller featuring six Blue Point oysters with spinach filling; two entrée options, Surf and Turf featuring a 12-ounce. —Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 16 Dec. 2024

Leafy Greens Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale are good sources of magnesium, potassium, and calcium. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024

Cold-Hardy Vegetables Vegetables that do best in cool weather, such as broccoli and other brassicas, spinach, peas, radishes, and spring onions, can be started in winter too. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024

Toss spinach with dressing: Add spinach and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and toss to combine. —Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024

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