parsnip

noun pars·nip \ˈpär-snəp\

: a vegetable that is the long white root of a plant related to the carrot

Full Definition of PARSNIP

: a Eurasian biennial herb (Pastinaca sativa) of the carrot family with large pinnate leaves and yellow flowers that is cultivated for its long tapered edible root which is cooked as a vegetable; also : the root

See parsnip defined for English-language learners

See parsnip defined for kids

One goose, two geese. One moose,
two... moose. What's up with that? »

Illustration of PARSNIP

Origin of PARSNIP

Middle English passenep, modification of Old French pasnaie, from Latin pastinaca, from pastinum 2-pronged dibble

First Known Use: 14th century

Parsnip

geographical name

Definition of PARSNIP

— see finlay

Learn More About PARSNIP

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "parsnip"

SCRABBLE

: Playable words you can make from "parsnip"

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "parsnip"

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: parsnip swallowtailPrevious Word in the Dictionary: parsleywortAll Words Near: parsnip

Ask The Editor Videos

Is It 'Attorney Generals' Or 'Attorneys General'?

Fun, Funner, Funnest

2014 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How the Months Got Their Names

Webster's Dictionary of 1864

Old-School Grammar

Schwa

That vs. Which

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up parsnip? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your
Vocabulary!