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

The dish comes with lemon slices and freshly grated wasabi root, set apart from the common horseradish alternative by its earthy notes and a touch of sweetness. —Sacbee.com, 14 Nov. 2025

There were too many of the bulky, sweet styrofoam mochi waffle crisps and not enough seaweed/salty furikake, and the errant corn chips (faux-Fritos) and wasabi peas were in tragic shortage. —Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Oct. 2025

Chin Up in Scottsdale has flavors like wasabi and lavender. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Other members of this healthy group include arugula, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, collard and mustard greens wasabi and watercress. —Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025

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