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

Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper and begin adding spinach, one handful at a time, until wilted. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025

Which frozen spinach products are being recalled? —Melina Khan, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025

Organic spinach, both bulk and cut, has been recalled nationwide after testing found listeria. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025

Each scoop delivers 20 grams of pea, pumpkin, and chia protein, plus a blend of superfoods like broccoli, kale, and spinach. —Olivia Tarantino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025

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