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

Starbucks' rendition features Monterey Jack cheese, red bell pepper, spinach, and green onions in their formula, while Kling and Garner go with mozzarella, red bell pepper, and spinach. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2026

Perfect for pairing with a trip through their enormous salad bar and a scoop of mashed potatoes and creamed spinach (and timberline chili and mac and cheese), and one of their famous yeasty dinner rolls slathered with honey butter. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026

Fall and winter crops in this area include cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, kale, chard, carrots, sugar snap peas and spinach. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

Artichokes are best known as a key ingredient in creamy spinach dip, but they can also be roasted, grilled, or braised as a side, added to casseroles, or used as a pizza topping. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 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