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

The produce ranges from pomegranates to pineapples, spinach to Swiss chard. — Kathleen Toner, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

Remember the old Popeye and spinach routine, where the squinty-eyed sailor scarfs down a can of leafy greens and his muscles practically burst out of his shirt? — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 15 Oct. 2026

Use whole-grain noodles, mushrooms and lots of spinach to give a nutritious boost to the comfort-food classic. — Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 13 Oct. 2026

Sodium reduction stays foundational, but potassium, abundant in bananas, potatoes, beans, spinach and yogurt, is likely to appear more prominently in guidelines, apps and food-tracking tools. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 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