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

Try the cheddar herb biscuit, an eggs Benedict dish made with wilted spinach, tomato, bacon, and hollandaise. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025

In Punjab, where our family roots lie, pakoras are often made with onions, potatoes, spinach, cauliflower, and eggplant. —Romy Gill, Saveur, 22 Oct. 2025

Have a Veggie and Bean Breakfast Hash Mixing potatoes, bell pepper, spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and black beans into a fiber-rich breakfast hash is a colorful and nutrient-dense way to start your day. —Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2025

These could include arugula, spinach, peppers, hearts of palm, carrots, or roasted veggies. —Allison Forsyth, Health, 21 Oct. 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