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

When everything is cooked to your liking, toss in some optional fresh spinach and shredded cheese. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 2 June 2026

Stick around for delicious sweet baghrir bread, fried spinach cheese briouat, and naturally, more tajines. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026

Use kale, collard greens, Swiss chard or spinach. —Deputy Food Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026

Some cool-season crops like lettuces, spinach, kale, and peas are fading this month. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 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