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

Physical exertion is a pillar of the Rancho La Puerta experience, with a daily line-up of optional activities like hiking, running, kickboxing, cycling, salsa, yoga, and more. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026

This set comes with six 16-ounce jars perfect for storing homemade sauces, salsa, jam, and more. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026

Seasonal demand for tomatoes is starting to pick up in the United States, as warm weather calls for more burgers, salsa, salad and ketchup on hotdogs. —Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026

Renowned salsa and latin jazz violinist Alfredo De La Fé brings his band, which blends traditional classical techniques with Afro-Cuban and Caribbean rhythms. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 16 Apr. 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