asparagus

noun

as·par·a·gus | \ ə-ˈsper-ə-gəs

, -ˈspa-rə-\

plural asparagus

Definition of asparagus

: any of a genus (Asparagus) of Old World perennial plants of the lily family 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

Examples of asparagus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a large bowl, toss the asparagus in oil to coat. — Ashley Rodriguez, Woman's Day, "Parmesan Roasted Asparagus," 10 Apr. 2019 Cook asparagus in a large pot of boiling water until bright green and tender, about 3 minutes. — Bon Appetit, "Miso-Tahini Noodles with Asparagus and Tofu," 14 May 2018 At the same time, in a large skillet, sauté asparagus in olive oil about 8 minutes. — Nancy Stohs, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "2018 farmers markets in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin," 1 May 2018 Store fresh asparagus in the refrigerator to preserve its tenderness and natural sweetness. — Darlene Zimmerman, Detroit Free Press, "Healthy Table: Load up on asparagus for its healthy dose of folate and antioxidants," 15 Apr. 2018 For a sharable main course, try wide ribbons of pappardelle, mushroom and asparagus in cream sauce, with a runny egg yolk. — Linda Bladholm, miamiherald, "Argentine and Spanish dishes in a Balinese setting set this Bal Harbor restaurant apart | Miami Herald," 5 Apr. 2018 Arrange asparagus in single layer, all parallel to one another, on a broiler pan. — Ann Maloney, NOLA.com, "3 seafood dishes for Lent from Tom Fitzmorris' reissued 'New Orleans Food'," 20 Feb. 2018 Place the asparagus in ice water to shock for about one minute. — Nancy Miller, The Courier-Journal, "This new restaurant in Germantown comes from a long line of Louisville Italian royalty," 2 Jan. 2018 The entrée was a choice between lamb with asparagus or seabass with pistachio, followed by an assortment of mini desserts. — Tamara Abraham, Harper's BAZAAR, "This Epic Lake Como Wedding Had It All: An Alta Moda Photoshoot, Fireworks, and a Surprise Opera," 11 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'asparagus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

14 May 2019

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Time Traveler for asparagus

The first known use of asparagus was in 1543

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More Definitions for asparagus

asparagus

noun

English Language Learners Definition of asparagus

: a plant with long green stems and tiny leaves at one end that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable

See the full definition for asparagus in the English Language Learners Dictionary

asparagus

noun

as·par·a·gus | \ ə-ˈsper-ə-gəs

Kids Definition of asparagus

: a vegetable that is the young shoots of a garden plant related to the lilies that lives for many years

asparagus

noun

as·par·a·gus | \ ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs

Medical Definition of asparagus

1 capitalized : a genus of Old World perennial herbs of the lily family (Liliaceae) having erect much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow filiform branchlets that function as leaves