salsa

noun

sal·​sa ˈsȯl-sə 

ˈsäl-

1

: a usually spicy sauce of chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers that is commonly served with Mexican food

also : a similar sauce made with a main ingredient other than tomatoes

peach salsa

2

: popular music of Latin American origin that has absorbed characteristics of rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock

Examples of salsa in a Sentence

The band was playing salsa.

We're taking classes in salsa.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yeah, salsa class is fun, but all that dancing around is a recipe for hip pain later! — Glamour, 24 Aug. 2026

The global salsa icon will perform a career-spanning medley of his biggest hits. — Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Ruddy tomato salsa pounded in a molcajete, its texture almost emulsified, awaits on the side. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

In all, the star would devote a baker’s dozen of tunes on the 32-song setlist to this upbeat tropical music gem, which incorporates reggaeton, Latin pop, cumbia, salsa, vallenato and more. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, literally, sauce, from Latin, feminine of salsus salted — more at sauce

First Known Use

circa 1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing salsa

• salsa verde

Rhymes for salsa

• balsa
• khalsa

Kids Definition

salsa

noun

sal·​sa ˈsȯl-sə 

ˈsäl-

1

: a spicy sauce of tomatoes, onions, and hot peppers

2

: popular Latin American music with elements of rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock