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

Include dark, leafy green vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and romaine lettuce. —Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2025

Murata placed her go-to order: sautéed spinach with bacon, and focaccia. —Elif Batuman, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025

Temperature variation can affect how spinach grows. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025

Magnesium-rich vegetables like spinach, Swiss chard, and edamame can help boost magnesium intake. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 25 Mar. 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