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

Starters featured the likes of burrata with almonds, dill and honey; grilled scallops with edamame and hazelnut; and beef tartar with charcoal oil, salsa rubra and radish. —Laura French, TheWeek, 16 Mar. 2026

Tacos Don Tacho #2 stands out for flavorful Mexican food, from chilaquiles to birria served with a rich red consommé, and is prized for its extensive selection of homemade salsas and pickled condiments. —Bob Carlton, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026

Add the beans, along with their canning liquid, and the salsa. —Kate Williams, AJC.com, 16 Mar. 2026

Other popular dishes will include chicharrón norteño, pork belly in salsa verde, and classic birria and quesabirria tacos. —Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 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