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

This concept is just as easy to whip together and lets the family pick the toppings, from sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or shredded cheese. —Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025

Rauw Teaches Salsa Classes In a new episode of Celebrity Substitute, Rauw Alejandro visited elementary school PS 96 in Harlem, New York, to teach students the history, sounds, and moves of salsa music. —Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 11 Oct. 2025

The accompanying music video, her first in 30 years, was filmed in a New York City restaurant and salsa club. —Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

Sliced, diced, or pureed jalapeños can kick up the heat level of salsas and other dishes. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025

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

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