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

Greek yogurt, spinach, and chia seeds can be added to smoothies. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2026

For some greens, stir in two big handfuls of spinach with the tomato sauce and cook until wilted. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Beets, chard, and spinach are also generally considered non-hosts. — Dr. Avishesh Neupane, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026

Gourmands can continue their dream at breakfast with Matsuhisa Benedict, a mouthwatering concoction of crispy tofu, Dorset crab, spinach, shiso béarnaise and salmon eggs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 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