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

Grüner, with its notes of lime, white pepper and herbs, is one of the great under-the-radar white wine options for food pairings—from asparagus to pork schnitzel to Thai takeout. —Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

All was topped with juicy (not chewy) shrimp, parboiled pieces of asparagus, and a blend of five Italian cheeses. —Betty Gold Kider, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Aug. 2025

According to Jin, security watched quietly from the bar while the pair enjoyed a chef's tasting menu featuring tuna, beef tartare, lobster, asparagus, and lamb. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025

Rhubarb, the leafy green fruit with sour stems and a distinctive taste, is another mainstay crop at the farm, as well as asparagus. —Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 23 July 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