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

Leafy Greens Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach and kale don’t retain their original texture once frozen and defrosted due to their high water content. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

Explore combinations such as feta, spinach, and walnuts; feta with sweet potatoes and olives; feta avocado and arugula; or feta, cantaloupe, melon, and toasted almonds. — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026

Potatoes, beans, spinach, Brazil nuts, and many other foods naturally contain small amounts of radioactive isotopes. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Baby spinach or radicchio make a great substitute for the peppery arugula. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 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