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

Supports Hydration Vegetables like cabbage, celery, spinach, and lettuce are over 90% water. —Zia Sherrell, Health, 10 Jan. 2026

Divide creamed spinach evenly among 4 plates. —Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026

The grits are paired with andouille sausage, paprika beurre blanc and crispy spinach. —Alexa Stone january 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026

Now is the time to plant spinach. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 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