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

Foods rich in prebiotic fiber include green bananas, legumes, oats, barley, cabbage, artichokes, asparagus, kimchi, and sauerkraut. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2026

Our Test Kitchen recommends simple and light sides like asparagus or tomato-cucumber salad. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

My usual was their Charlie O’Chicken, a delicious concoction of chicken breast, asparagus, cheese, and their special sauce. —Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026

Care Requirements Taking care of asparagus is all about providing the proper conditions, from water and light to soil and fertilizer. —Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 23 Feb. 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