salsa

noun

sal·​sa ˈsȯl-sə How to pronounce salsa (audio)
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
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.
This tangy, acidic salsa balances out the creaminess of the dish, while seasoning it and adding heat. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025 Betty also helped Wayne with their garden, which supplied the family with many jars of canned salsa, garlic pickles and tomato sauce. Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 Finish the night with mojitos and music at the famous Cafe La Trova on Calle Ocho, and don’t miss jumping in on a free salsa dancing class at legendary Little Havana nightclub Ball & Chain, says Sharpe. Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 29 Jan. 2025 Make watermelon salsa by combining diced watermelon, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice. Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Ld, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for salsa 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of salsa was circa 1962

Dictionary Entries Near salsa

Cite this Entry

“Salsa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salsa. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

salsa

noun
sal·​sa ˈsȯl-sə How to pronounce salsa (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on salsa

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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