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

Adding too many at once—say, fresh tomatoes, raw mushrooms, and salsa—may leave you with runny egg bites. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2026

Cilantro and serrano chile add a fun flare to the fruity salsa. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026

When a real wedding transformed the football field into a family party mid-performance, Wisconsin's Ramos-Rivera salsa danced beside people of all ages and then got into position to groove with his dance partner beside Bad Bunny and special guest Lady Gaga. —Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026

Enchiladas and nachos — dishes that nod to El Mercado’s legacy — will also be offered, and the restaurant will continue serving El Mercado’s salsa. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 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

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