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

Student Matthew Glover, who prepared a spinach and mushroom quiche for his exam, said the pressure didn't shake him. —Brian Unger, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

Leafy Greens Like pomegranates, leafy greens like kale and spinach are rich in naturally occurring nitrates, according to Geoffrey Abbott, PhD, a professor of physiology and biophysics in the School of Medicine at UC Irvine. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 5 Dec. 2025

Taking handfuls of the cooled spinach, squeeze out as much water as possible, then coarsely chop. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2025

Add them to mixed lettuces or spinach with plenty of veggies and other fruits, such as fresh orange slices or diced apples. —Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 4 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