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

Afterward, eat several rounds of complimentary chips and salsa at Casa Garcia’s, lost in thought. —Ramon Ramirez, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026

For those who love its fresh, citrusy flavor, this culinary herb is a must sprinkled on tacos, mixed into fresh salsa, and stirred into sauces. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026

Casiano, the chef at Xiquita Restaurante y Bar, and De Leon, the co-owner of Molino Chido inside Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace, will add to the menu with carnitas, carne asada, tortillas, a salsa bar and beverages. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026

Each order comes with free chips and salsa, one of the chain’s signature perks. —Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 5 Mar. 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