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

During his most recent visit with Samuelson, Kellems brought a reminder of those better days — in the form of some chips, salsa, and guacamole. — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 23 June 2026

The album included the sounds of salsa, ska, agro-rock, boy band, pop, old-school rap and even K-pop. — ABC News, 23 June 2026

Hundreds — maybe thousands — of kilt-wearing, bagpipe-playing, flag-waving, fun-loving Scotland fans descended on South Beach after a day of salsa dancing on Calle Ocho and cheering on the Marlins at loanDepot Park. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026

And the things like unlimited chips and salsa, Buc-ee's, Bass Pro Shops, Route 44s at Sonic delivered by young men and women on roller skates delivered right to your car door. — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 19 June 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