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

At the time, the USDA tested 642 conventional spinach samples and found an average of seven pesticides on each. —Andrew Adam Newman, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026

Leafy Greens Like pomegranates, leafy greens like kale and spinach are rich in naturally occurring nitrates, according to Geoffrey Abbott, PhD, a professor of physiology and biophysics in the School of Medicine at UC Irvine. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 10 Apr. 2026

Elsewhere, a sausage, egg, and chips has become a local favorite, while the wider menu moves comfortably between spinach and ricotta gnudi, seafood chowder and even soda-bread ice cream. —Julie Lin, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Apr. 2026

Say hello to a much improved and tastier version of classic spinach dip. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 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