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

Adding mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, herbs, and lean protein to your pizza can provide extra health benefits. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 12 Dec. 2025

It’s finished with spinach and paired with the sticky, mild fufu. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 11 Dec. 2025

These innocuous greens look like weeds but taste better than spinach. —Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Dec. 2025

Bases include arugula, kale, spinach, spring mix, herbed quinoa, white or wild rice. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 8 Dec. 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