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

The extensive menu has everything from all-day breakfast to colorful salads to satisfying sandwiches, as well as nourishing sides like a bowl of brown rice or sautéed spinach. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

When Paul cuts it, there are green layers of spinach sponge inside with avocado and chocolate icing in between the layers. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024

Green Curry Coconut Cod Curry paste, coconut milk, and fresh spinach yield a vibrant sauce for tender fish. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 1 Nov. 2024

Plant spinach in between turnip rows to suppress weeds. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Oct. 2024

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