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

The protein on the plate was typically the star — lavished with saucy, seasoned care — while a forgettable side of peas or asparagus was probably a simply steamed or boiled supporting player. —Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 10 June 2026

Cook, stirring often, until asparagus is tender and cream is clinging to vegetables and pasta, about 5 minutes; remove from heat. —Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 June 2026

Sugar snap peas, English peas and asparagus make this brilliant green salad a smash. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 2 June 2026

These include artichoke, asparagus, lovage, rhubarb, sea kale, and sorrel. —Cori Sears, The Spruce, 2 June 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