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

In addition, some foods are naturally high in fluoride such as tea, shrimp, crab and spinach. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025

Creamed spinach, steak, a martini, and the piano playing make for a perfect night at Knickerbocker Bar & Grill on University Place, and who doesn’t love a Hirschfeld caricature? —The Editors, Curbed, 9 May 2025

In the nuclear winter scenario, cities would need to focus on sugar beets and spinach, while near-urban plots handle wheat and carrots. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 May 2025

Start your visit with a Greek Isles crepe: egg, feta cheese, spinach, sautéed mushrooms, onions and kalamata olives. —Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 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