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

Look for tender asparagus, baby spinach, and sweet peas at the market. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026

Peas, spinach, arugula, carrots, beets, kale, radishes, lettuce, and potatoes can be grown now and are easy to start from seed directly sown into the soil. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026

The tacos, including a colorful vegetarian version studded with nobs of cauliflower, are served on some of the city’s best corn tortillas, some blushed with pink from beets or green from the soft steel of spinach. —Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026

These include 50% off its duck fat fries, dive wings and a spinach and artichoke dip. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 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