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

Fill your plate with vegetables — like broccoli, green beans, or spinach — protein and healthy fats. —Yolanda Harris, AJC.com, 28 May 2026

Transform that package of ravioli into a decadent pasta bake, complete with fresh spinach and beef. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 22 May 2026

Add Swiss chard to soups, make kale chips, steam spinach as a side dish, or toss arugula into sandwiches and salads. —Brandi Jones, Verywell Health, 22 May 2026

There are several foods with more magnesium than oats, including various seeds and nuts, spinach, and avocados. —Zia Sherrell, Health, 22 May 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