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

White asparagus is still in season, potatoes are firm, there is hollandaise. — Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Lueke said cooks can swap in different proteins or add seasonal ingredients such as squash in the fall or asparagus and peas in the spring. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

The evening menu changes daily, and during my stay included everything from beetroot tartare with mustard ice cream to tender ox cheek, flaky sea bream, and an abundance of seasonal white asparagus. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Rich abalone shared a bowl with crisp, fresh asparagus and a sauce of miso, koji, and black garlic. — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 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