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

At Temple Court in New York City, roasted scallop with white asparagus, potato and caviar. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Providence’s dishes may read as simple—abalone with green and white asparagus or king salmon with porcini and ramps—but Cimarusti is interested in only the best version of each element. — The Editors, Robb Report, 27 June 2026

If the grill is already fired up for the main dish, toss some fresh asparagus on the grates as well. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 27 June 2026

Many high-cost veggies, like artichokes and asparagus, are surprisingly cheap and easy to grow from seeds. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 17 June 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