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

Cooler weather and light frost can improve flavor for crops like spinach and turnips. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 17 Sep. 2026

Repeat process with remaining phyllo sheets and butter until spinach mixture is completely covered. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026

Hanadi Muhanna and her father are rebuilding the Al Qarara seed bank, gathering indigenous wheat, spinach and barley. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

The most typical one is spanakopita, a cheese-and-spinach pie. — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 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