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

Bergamot scents a dish of Alpine trout and cauliflower purée, while one of his team is a forager from the region, and brings back clutches of pine needles and wild spinach. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

The baby leaves can be eaten raw or steamed like spinach. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2026

The dinner consists of 10 choices, including a Caesar salad, ricotta and spinach ravioli, chicken parmigiana and a tiramisu dessert. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026

When the garlic resprouts in spring, plant a new crop of spinach nearby to take full advantage of the companion plants' pest-repelling abilities. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 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