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

One pea variety Hake mentions for seed-saving is the asparagus [ea. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 2026

First-course choices include prawn tartare with Málaga-style Ajoblanco and tomato concassé, and grilled Iberian asparagus with Iberian ham crème, croutons and tomato concassé. — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026

Bon Appétit’s own archive ranges from spring panzanella with cucumber and asparagus to versions built around beets and rye. — Lillian Syme, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

Then, asparagus and burrata salad, before getting the choice between a filet mignon and a miso black cod. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 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