salsa

noun

sal·​sa ˈsȯl-sə 

ˈsäl-

1

: a usually spicy sauce of chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers that is commonly served with Mexican food

also : a similar sauce made with a main ingredient other than tomatoes

peach salsa

2

: popular music of Latin American origin that has absorbed characteristics of rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock

Examples of salsa in a Sentence

The band was playing salsa.

We're taking classes in salsa.

Recent Examples on the Web

What quickly became a fan-favorite and has people of all generations dancing salsa on social media hit No. 4 on the Billboard Global 200 chart this week. —Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2025

Image Friedman often worried about his reputation, realizing that dividing his attention among music, books and politics — plus sidelines hawking cigars, tequila and salsa, and supporting an animal-rescue group — may have muddled his legacy. —Daniel Taub, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025

Choosing to create salsa and plena tracks alone is part of an enduring tradition of protest in the genre, according to experts. —Solcyré Burga, TIME, 14 Jan. 2025

Star fruit salsa pairs well with tortilla chips, grilled meats, and seafood. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, literally, sauce, from Latin, feminine of salsus salted — more at sauce

First Known Use

circa 1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

salsa

noun

sal·​sa ˈsȯl-sə 

ˈsäl-

1

: a spicy sauce of tomatoes, onions, and hot peppers

2

: popular Latin American music with elements of rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock