wasabi

noun wa·sa·bi \ ˈwä-sə-bē , wä-ˈsä- \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Definition of wasabi

1 : a condiment that is prepared from the ground thick pungent greenish root of an Asian herb (Wasabia japonica synonym Eutrema wasabi) of the mustard family and is similar in flavor and use to horseradish; also : the root

2 : the herb that yields wasabi

See wasabi defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of wasabi from the Web

To serve, top each with a tablespoon-size dollop of the avocado wasabi sauce.

— ellie krieger, charlotteobserver, "Forget the toast, try avocado atop these crab cakes.," 5 June 2018
Try it with scallions, soy sauce, sesame and a hot, spicy element like jalapeno, spicy mayonnaise or honey wasabi.

— liz biro, Indianapolis Star, "Here's where to get a poké bowl in Indianapolis, including 5 new restaurants," 31 May 2018
This custom-bowl emporium, with locations in Arizona, California and Washington state, stands out for its sauce options, like wasabi citrus or kimchi.

— larry bleiberg, USA TODAY, "10 great places to try Hawaiian poke on the mainland," 18 May 2018
There’s a wasabi latte for those who like a little spice, and an egg cappuccino, one of the most popular items, which features a raw egg yolk whisked into hot espresso, topped with frothed cream and bitter cocoa.

— brittany martin, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Matte Black Latte at This New L.A. Café Is Coming to a Goth’s Instagram Feed Near You," 8 May 2018
The Ahi Tuna Stack, prepared with layers of crispy wontons, fresh avocado, ahi tuna pike, pickled cucumber, finished with soy wasabi and Guinness-soy reduction.

— polly campbell, Cincinnati.com, "Matt the Miller's Tavern: Right down the middle," 25 Jan. 2018
Proceed to top your creation with avocado, pickled ginger, wasabi, green onions, and on and on.

— kara baskin, BostonGlobe.com, "Pokéworks offers a taste of Hawaii in Cambridge," 26 Apr. 2018
Think avocado tempura with mango chili sauce, or snapper with wasabi aoli.

— dana mcmahan, The Courier-Journal, "Airbnb guests think these are the best places to eat and drink in Louisville," 24 Apr. 2018
Whatever the logic, by the end of the film, Mayor Kobayashi brandishes a red button that if pushed will cause all dogs to be executed via poison wasabi—a baffling move the audience, seemingly, isn’t expected to question.

— nina li coomes, The Atlantic, "Unpacking the Fictional Japan of Isle of Dogs," 31 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wasabi.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.