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

His house vegetable is a mix of yellow and green squash, three different color peppers, spinach, cherry tomatoes wine and butter cream. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2026

Leafy Greens Another staple on lists of produce with higher pesticide residues is leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens. —Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 14 June 2026

Phytates in whole grains and oxalates in leafy greens like spinach also bind to iron and zinc. —Allison Palmer updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026

For the salad, to a bowl, add the spinach and pour half of the dressing over top. —Lexi Harrison, Midwest Living, 10 June 2026

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