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

Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach grow low around the shaded base of a jalapeño plant and keep weeds from emerging. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 July 2026

The diet includes leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale and lettuce, which help slow memory decline. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Electrolytes are naturally found in foods like bananas, spinach and avocados and are also available in drink mixes and tablets. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026

Both spinach and kale are high in vitamins and minerals and can help lower disease risk. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 25 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