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

My go-to is the mango pork, but the spinach and cheese is a close second. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026

Aphids and leaf miners are the most common garden pests to infest spinach. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026

To turn it into a vegetarian entree, serve it over spinach or other salad greens. —Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 28 Apr. 2026

The Beef Bulgogi version includes pieces of marinated beef, plus spinach, carrots, and pickled daikon and was also super yummy. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 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