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

Combine shredded leftover rotisserie chicken with sautéed spinach in a white wine-cream sauce to make this comforting casserole. — Emily Goldman, Martha Stewart, 20 July 2026

Variety matters more than perfection here, so think of spinach as a reliable starting point rather than the only answer. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 20 July 2026

Let stand, loosely covered with foil, to allow spinach to wilt and sauce to thicken, 15 minutes. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026

Past outbreaks have been tied to contaminated vegetables, herbs and fruits such as spinach, berries and basil. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 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