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

The Hen-House Egg White Burrito, with queso fresco, baby spinach, potato, salsa, and guacamole, was a lighter favorite. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026

Aside from its beta-carotene content, spinach also boasts plenty of fiber, vitamin C, folate, iron, and antioxidants. — Christina Manian, HEALTH, 12 Nov. 2026

Break out your food processor to quickly make spinach and artichoke, ricotta, or butternut squash dip. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026

Divide spinach mixture between potato halves, piling high (don’t pack too tightly). — Kelsey Jane Youngman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Nov. 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