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

Palmieri cameos alongside his salsa orchestra — plus Rosie Perez and Anthony Ramos, who take the stage to introduce the legend — during the film's Puerto Rican Day Parade sequence in the Bronx. —EW.com, 16 Aug. 2025

Cali, however, dances to its own rhythm—full of salsa soul echoing from open-air clubs—while coffee country is dotted with fincas, wax palms, and the scent of fresh harvest. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

In the meantime, skilled salsa dancers helped the girls learn new moves. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025

In association with Telemundo 47, salsa performer Issac Delgado, Grammy-winning artist Aymee Nuviola, percussion powerhouse Brenda Navarrete, and Afro-Cuban jazz singer Melvis Santa will headline this tribute that celebrates the Queen of Salsa. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 9 Aug. 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