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

There will also be a carving station with Porchetta-Spiced Prime Rib, rustic potatoes, broccolini, and creamed spinach in addition to Wagyu Dogs and Grilled Clams from the grill. —Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

This recipe has dried spinach tortellini, fresh asparagus, cherry tomatoes and a handful of baby arugula for a super-easy and filling spring meal. —Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 11 June 2025

That spinach artichoke dip? After becoming infected with salmonella, Chaffin was out sick for a week from her job as a manager at a local ice rink. —Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 7 June 2025

Add the cottage cheese and spinach to the eggs and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are fully scrambled and the spinach has wilted. —Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 7 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