spinach

noun

spin·​ach ˈspi-nich How to pronounce spinach (audio)
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 How to pronounce spinach (audio)
adjective
spinachy
ˈspi-ni-chē How to pronounce spinach (audio)
adjective

Examples of spinach in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for spinach 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of spinach was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near spinach

spinaceous

spinach

spinach aphid

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Spinach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinach. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

spinach

noun
spin·​ach ˈspin-ich How to pronounce spinach (audio)
: a widely grown plant with dark green leaves that are used as food
also : the leaves

More from Merriam-Webster on spinach

Nglish: Translation of spinach for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of spinach for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spinach

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