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

Learn how to hand-press tortillas, whip up fiery salsas, or dive into a mezcal tasting with Paradero’s warm and knowledgeable staff. —Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

When a little salsa drips over the side after a pour or your bottle of ketchup ends up with a spatter, rinse them off immediately. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2024

In on the Current Couples' 'Red Flags' Camille and Thomas Thomas attempted to impress Camille with salsa dancing, showing a more assertive side. —Miguel Santiago, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024

Cover crackers with the mixture. Spoon the salsa onto the bean-turkey mixture evenly. —Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 26 Nov. 2024

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