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

Plants like kale, carrots, radishes, spinach and lettuce will all be ready to get going soon. —Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2025

There’s also a divine course of shredded Belgian endive served atop a swirling spinach and hibiscus sauce. —Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2025

Spinach With a water content of around 91%, spinach is a low-calorie, hydrating, and nutritious vegetable.6 Three cups of raw spinach provide 2 g of fiber and 2.5 grams of protein, with just 20 calories. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 11 Feb. 2025

Both spinaches can be used the same way, though, and Stewart adds it to her green juice. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 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