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

Sodium reduction stays foundational, but potassium, abundant in bananas, potatoes, beans, spinach and yogurt, is likely to appear more prominently in guidelines, apps and food-tracking tools. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026

My first slice of Zachary’s deep-dish spinach pizza in Rockridge, Oakland. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Adding spinach or kale to your shake provides important phytonutrients. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2026

Currently, Greenscale grows a variety of leafy greens, including kale, spinach, arugula, basil and cilantro. — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 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