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

Lily of the Valley Part of the asparagus family, Lily of the Valley thrives in partial to full-shade areas. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025

In the first menu, customers can find spaghetti with mantis shrimp, salted lemon, sea grapes and monkfish paired with bagna càuda and green asparagus. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025

She was loaded up with everything from engine grease to asparagus, dishrags to lightbulbs, noodles to pillowcases. —Doug Most august 20, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2025

Ziploc Brand Gallon Produce Bags are your secret weapon against slimy spinach and limp asparagus, with a clear tab and breathable, moisture-control vents that help keep fruits and veggies crisp longer. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 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) 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