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 dish to order: A dry-aged whole sea bream, served with white asparagus and drizzled in orange beurre blanc. —Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 June 2024

And there was organic asparagus from Durst, one of the smaller farms still growing the crop. —Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2024

The legendary chef and author Edna Lewis knew that stovetop asparagus is its own special creature. —Scott Hocker, theweek, 7 Mar. 2024

The current vegetarian option is a risotto with asparagus and peas; toppings will change with the season, says Fritsche. —Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 26 June 2024

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