wasabi

noun

wa·​sa·​bi wä-ˈsä-bē 

wə-ˈsä-;

ˈwä-sə-bē 

1

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

also : the rhizome

2

: the herb that yields wasabi

Examples of wasabi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Salty and sweet, crisp and kicky—loaded with soy, hoisin, wasabi, this flavorful snack mix checks all the boxes (and then some). — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 23 June 2026

Some crops, like wasabi, require patience and specific conditions but can yield significant long-term savings. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 17 June 2026

Raph and Grant keep tasting wasabi Oreos, with Raph shrieking and Grant grimacing. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026

But that buttery soft fish and sticky rice is often mixed with a rainbow of other flavors, from spicy wasabi to salty and savory soy sauce. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for wasabi

• panjabi
• punjabi
• wahhabi
• bobbie
• bobby
• hobby
• knobby
• lobby
• nabi
• nobby