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

One of the best recipes in the book is O’Brien’s mom’s salsa. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026

Lugya’h, a popular stall for Oaxacan cuisine in West Adams’ Maydan Market, will offer mini tlayudas with a choice of protein (chorizo, tasajo, morcillla or veggies), an appetizer dip (mole, guacamole or a surprise salsa), an agua fresca (hibiscus or horchata) and hibiscus jelly for $35. —Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026

Serve with salsa or hot sauce if desired. —Martha Stewart, 12 May 2026

In goes a scoop of lard, then eight corn tortillas, fanned out and briskly dressed with onions, salsas rojo and verde, and ragged strips of beef. —Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 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