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

Water intake did not differ significantly between the mild and spicy conditions in the 2026 chips and salsa study. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026

Unlike queso dips, there is no cheese, and unlike salsa, there are no fresh vegetables. — Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 30 July 2026

And the restaurants also stock seven flavors of salsa in addition to hot sauce for a little extra zing. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026

Fresh or canned, enjoy lychee plain as a snack, in a cocktail, or even in a savory salsa. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 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