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

Some leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, cilantro, and parsley do well in dappled shade, for example, while others may only need a few hours of sunlight a day to thrive. —Haniya Rae, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026

Check your area’s average last-frost date before planting, and prioritize the cold-hardy options — kale, spinach, peas, cabbage — for the earliest sowings. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2026

Gallery Restaurant is known as a destination for weekend brunches and holiday meals, pairing premium steak and seafood with traditional sides such as garlic cream spinach and crispy Brussels sprouts. —Drew Jackson, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026

Swiss chard can be replaced with spinach or kale. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 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