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

When the spinach is mixed in with noodles and cheese, no one will mind eating their greens. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026

Frozen spinach can be replaced with fresh spinach; add it to the covered skillet in the final 5 minutes of steaming along with the shrimp. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026

When to Harvest Spinach Harvest spinach early in the morning when temperatures are cool and before the sun wilts the leaves, says gardening instructor Meg Austin. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 7 July 2026

Many people can get enough magnesium from foods such as nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and leafy vegetables like spinach. — Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 5 July 2026

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