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

Start with eggs, cottage cheese, beans, tofu, or leftover meat, then add filling ingredients like potatoes, frozen vegetables, spinach, peppers, or onions. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 6 May 2026

What’s more, beets are dual-purpose crops that can be grown for their tasty roots or their edible greens, which can be used just like spinach or kale! —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2026

Just like traditional spinach dip, the recipe mixes together spinach, sour cream, and chives to achieve that cool, onion flavor with a kick. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 May 2026

One thing to note is that cooking spinach (or any vegetable, whether fresh or frozen) can lead to nutrient losses. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 1 May 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