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

Outside, where salsa competed with reggaetón blaring from the different studios, the band explained where their inspiration came from. — John Bartlett, NPR, 8 Aug. 2026

Downtown San Jose will be filled with the sounds of jazz, blues, salsa and more all weekend long. — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026

The salsa rushes the senses more thrillingly with its distinct, smoky-cherry notes from chile puya. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Both restaurants normally include jalapeños in their guacamole, pico de gallo and chili-corn salsas. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 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