spinach

noun spin·ach \ ˈspi-nich \

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

Definition of spinach

1 : an Asian herb (Spinacia oleracea) of the goosefoot 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

play \ˈspi-nich-ˌlīk\ adjective

—

spinachy

play \ˈspi-ni-chē\ adjective

See spinach defined for English-language learners

See spinach defined for kids

Recent Examples of spinach from the Web

The report looks more or less the same as last year’s guide, with strawberries claiming the unfortunate number one spot, edging out spinach and nectarines.

— samantha cassetty, NBC News, "What a nutritionist wants you to know about pesticides and produce," 14 Apr. 2018
Our White Mushroom featured a flavorful if stingy sprinkling of button mushrooms, spinach and roasted garlic atop a light, white sauce.

— anna caplan, star-telegram, "Urban Bricks' serviceable fast-casual pizza in north Arlington lacking in authenticity | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 11 Apr. 2018
More than 98% of strawberries, spinach, peaches, nectarines, cherries and apples tested positive for at least one pesticide residue.

— susan scutti, CNN, "Strawberries again top 2018's 'Dirty Dozen' fruits and veggies," 10 Apr. 2018
Following strawberries on the Dirty Dozen list was spinach, in which 97% of samples contained pesticides residues.

— sean rossman, USA TODAY, "Strawberries, spinach top 'Dirty Dozen' list of fruits and vegetables with most pesticides," 10 Apr. 2018
Recipes run the gamut and might include Jen Garner’s Chocolate Blueberry #fab4smoothie, with collagen, almond butter, spinach, flax and other nutritious ingredients.

— kathryn romeyn, The Hollywood Reporter, "Jennifer Garner's Trainer Launched a Wellness App that Uses Artificial Intelligence," 9 Apr. 2018
In a large bowl, combine spinach, turkey, oats, onion, carrots, egg, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper; mix lightly but thoroughly.

— atlanta life, ajc, "7 Day Menu Planner," 6 Apr. 2018
Huntism is spinach and broccoli rather than meat and gravy.

— The Economist, "Jeremy Hunt, the great survivor," 5 Apr. 2018
Vegetarians will enjoy options like sauteed spinach and mushroom, smashed jack potato or sweet and spicy cornbread ($8.25).

— georgann yara, azcentral, "It's National Burrito Day! Mexican restaurants for build-your-own burritos," 5 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spinach.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of spinach

Middle English spinache, from Anglo-French, alteration of Old French espinaces, from Medieval Latin spinachium, ultimately from Arabic isfānākh, from Pers

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

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Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

SPINACH Defined for English Language Learners

spinach

noun

Definition of spinach for English Language Learners

: a plant with dark green leaves that are eaten as a vegetable

SPINACH Defined for Kids

spinach

noun spin·ach \ ˈspi-nich \

Definition of spinach for Students

: a garden plant with usually large dark green leaves that are eaten cooked or raw as a vegetable

Learn More about spinach

See words that rhyme with spinach Spanish Central: Translation of spinach Nglish: Translation of spinach for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of spinach for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spinach

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spinach

Definition of spinach

spinachlike

spinachy

Recent Examples of spinach from the Web

Origin and Etymology of spinach

Other Food Terms

SPINACH Defined for English Language Learners

spinach

Definition of spinach for English Language Learners

SPINACH Defined for Kids

spinach

Definition of spinach for Students

Learn More about spinach

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