asparagus

noun

as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈsper-ə-gəs 

-ˈspa-rə-

plural asparagus

: any of a genus (Asparagus of the family Asparagaceae, the asparagus family) of Old World perennial plants having much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow usually filiform branchlets that function as leaves

especially : one (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its edible young shoots

Illustration of asparagus

Examples of asparagus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With both apple and peach picking canceled this year, the family is encouraging customers to continue supporting the farm by purchasing other seasonal crops, including strawberries, asparagus and corn. —Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 28 May 2026

Then, Burckel suggests fructans, which are a type of carbohydrate that naturally occurs in certain cereals, legumes, and fruit and vegetables such as asparagus, chicory, and melon, all of which help balance the microbiota. —Mélanie Nauche, Vogue, 28 May 2026

Avocado toast, salads centered on hearty veggies like broccoli, beets and asparagus, and pitas are also on the menu. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026

Ground beef or beans would work well instead of the turkey, and peas, zucchini, asparagus or cauliflower could be swapped in for the broccoli. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, asparagus plant, from Greek asparagos; perhaps akin to Greek spargan to swell

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

asparagus

noun

as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs 

: a tall branching long-lived herb related to the lilies and widely grown for its thick edible young shoots

Medical Definition

asparagus

noun

as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs 

1

capitalized : a genus of Old World perennial herbs (family Asparagaceae, the asparagus family) having erect much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow filiform branchlets that function as leaves

2

a

: any plant of the genus Asparagus

especially : a plant (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its tender edible young shoots

b

: the root of cultivated asparagus formerly used as a diuretic