spinach

noun

spin·​ach ˈspi-nich 

1

: an Asian herb (Spinacia oleracea) of the amaranth family cultivated for its edible leaves which form in a dense basal rosette

also : its leaves

2

a

: something unwanted, pretentious, or spurious

b

: an untidy overgrowth

spinachlike

ˈspi-nich-ˌlīk 

adjective

spinachy

ˈspi-ni-chē 

adjective

Examples of spinach in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Non-orange foods like green leafy vegetables (like spinach) are also good sources of beta carotene. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 30 June 2025

Toss baby spinach and arugula together to combine evenly, and then distribute evenly among four shallow bowls. —Stephanie Ganz, Southern Living, 26 June 2025

Her nutrient-dense, peppery leaves can be eaten like spinach. —Michael Shaikh june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025

Blanch some greens like spinach, bok choy, or cabbage by dropping them in boiling water until tender, then plunging them in ice water to stop the cooking before adding them to the bowl. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English spinache, from Anglo-French, alteration of Old French espinaces, from Medieval Latin spinachium, ultimately from Arabic isfānākh, from Pers

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spinach

noun

spin·​ach ˈspin-ich 

: a widely grown plant with dark green leaves that are used as food

also : the leaves