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

Currently, Greenscale grows a variety of leafy greens, including kale, spinach, arugula, basil and cilantro. — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2026

The menu began with Santa Barbara spot prawn with hearts of palm, grapefruit and citrus coulis, followed by wild turbot with celery root, potato Saint-Florentin, spinach subric, artichoke and truffle sauce. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Support your spinach plants with shallow, regular watering and organic mulch. — The Spruce, 24 Sep. 2026

Picture a woman walking into a meeting with spinach in her teeth. — Maren Perry, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 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