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

In the kitchen, that means a shift toward lighter vegetable-forward dishes that make the most of the season’s harvest, including asparagus, artichokes, rhubarb and peas. —Victoria Caruso, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2026

The dish comes with asparagus and fingerling potatoes. —Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026

Add the asparagus and continue to boil 3 minutes. —Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026

Cabbage is a traditional choice, but other leafy greens like spinach or kale work well, too, along with carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. —Sarah Garone, Health, 16 Mar. 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