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

Choose among prime cuts like steak au poivre, steak tips and Delmonico and complete your meal with a side, such as asparagus, broccolini or risotto. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025

Harvesting asparagus demanded dexterity and speed. —Sam Vong, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025

Who said asparagus couldn't be just as cheesy and creamy as potatoes au gratin? —Brennan Long, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025

Locals flock for the year-round favorites like chicken and pork, and the seasonal asparagus and pepper jack tamales, available April through June, often draw lines out the door. —Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025

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