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

Raphael said his father’s al pastor and salsas remain the clearest expression of Don Rafa’s story. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 3 June 2026

The second asks solo instruments to try a bit of salsa-style improv. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

Gavin suggests loading up your tater tots or nachos with leftover chili, and then finishing them off with cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026

No sizzling platter required for this recipe that comes together fast thanks to jarred salsa. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 30 May 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