parsnip

noun

pars·​nip ˈpär-snəp 

: a Eurasian biennial herb (Pastinaca sativa) of the carrot family with large pinnate leaves and yellow flowers that is cultivated for its long tapered whitish root which is cooked as a vegetable

also : the root

Illustration of parsnip

Did you know?

The word parsnip was borrowed into Middle English in the 14th century as a modification of the Old French word pasnaie, itself derived from the Latin noun pastinaca, meaning "parsnip" or "carrot." The scientific name for the parsnip, "Pastinaca sativa," still reflects this history. "Pastinaca," in turn, traces back to "pastinum," a Latin word for a small gardening tool used to make holes in the ground for the insertion of plants, seeds, or bulbs. "Parsnip" may also remind you of the name of another edible root, "turnip," and there's a possible explanation for the resemblance. The Middle English spelling of "parsnip" ("passenep") may have been influenced by "nepe," the old form of "turnip."

Examples of parsnip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Alliums, lettuce, parsley, and parsnip seeds expire faster than most and should be replaced after 1 to 2 years in storage. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026

The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends planting mostly root vegetables, including parsnips and turnips, and leafy greens such as kale and arugula in early April. —McClatchy, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026

Root crops like carrots, beets, radishes, turnips and parsnips don’t transplant well, so plant their seeds directly into the garden. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026

Add carrots, parsnips and potatoes to slow cooker. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pasnepe, pastenepe, persnepe, borrowed (with assimilation of the final syllable to nepe "turnip") from Old French pasnaie, going back to Latin pastināca "carrot, turnip," probably from pastinum "two-pronged implement for planting seeds" (of uncertain origin) + -āca, suffix of plant names — more at neep

Note: Forms with -r-, marginally attested before ca. 1500, are perhaps by hypercorrection, since r is sometimes lost before tautosyllabic s in popular speech (see note at hoss). — Ernout and Meillet (Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue française) compare pastinum with the verb pangere "to insert firmly, set in the ground" and related derivatives (see pact), though the formal path is unclear.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing parsnip

• cow parsnip
• giant cow parsnip

Rhymes for parsnip

• airship
• airstrip
• clerkship
• courtship
• equip
• filmstrip
• flagship
• gunship
• headship
• heirship
• judgeship
• kinship

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Kids Definition

parsnip

noun

pars·​nip ˈpär-snəp 

: a Eurasian herb related to the carrot and grown for its long white root which is cooked as a vegetable

also : this root