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

Many edible plants also enjoy the nitrogen in coffee grounds, including blackberries, blueberries, carrots, cucumbers, leafy greens (think kale, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard), peppers, potatoes, roses, sweet peas, and tomatoes. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026

Many ancient and fortified grains contain as much or more iron than spinach. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 10 June 2026

Phytates in whole grains and oxalates in spinach bind to iron and zinc as well. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026

Phytates in whole grains and oxalates in leafy greens like spinach also bind to iron and zinc. —Allison Palmer june 9, Sacbee.com, 9 June 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