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

A week later, thousands turned out for a Latin Salsa Festival organized by Jessica Perez, where bands played salsa music on a soundstage behind the museum that once bore the KKK leader’s name. —Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 12 July 2024

In addition to being a traditional Mexican sandal, huaraches are also a Mexican dish made with a long thick corn base usually topped with beans, cheese, meat and salsa. —David Ulloa Jr, The Arizona Republic, 12 July 2024

The sauces and salsas taste almost exactly the same but fresher. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 July 2024

Guests could make their own tacos or enjoy chips and salsa, among other entrees. —Selena Barrientos, Peoplemag, 8 July 2024

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

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