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

Cabbage is a traditional choice, but other leafy greens like spinach or kale work well, too, along with carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. —Sarah Garone, Health, 16 Mar. 2026

Fill a blender two-thirds of the way up with leafy veggies like kale and spinach, and fill the other third with frozen or fresh fruit. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 16 Mar. 2026

Vegetables with shallow roots, such as lettuce, spinach, kale, broccoli, and carrots, as well as vining vegetables like squash and cucumbers, may dry out quickly. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026

When the rice and whole grains are cool, add to a large bowl with the remaining salad ingredients, adding the lamb’s lettuce (or rocket, or spinach) last and tossing everything together. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 14 Mar. 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