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

Asparagus Steamed asparagus can quickly become limp and overcooked. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2026

Rent a bicycle to circuit Lido island’s former asparagus and artichoke fields, now prime real estate with some of the most impressive private Liberty villas. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

They’ll be served up with fresh asparagus and a couple of large taters slathered with butter, sour cream and chives. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Delicate Vegetables Tender vegetables like asparagus and spinach lose their texture and flavor after hours in the slow cooker, turning mushy, muted, and underwhelming. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 6 Sep. 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