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

Creative starters have included items like boudin egg rolls, pork belly cinnamon rolls, and Szechuan wasabi cashew butter served with radishes and broccolini. —Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026

There’s a variety of classic sushi rolls like Philadelphia rolls or specialties like the Jayhawk roll (cream cheese, avocado, shrimp tempura and spicy tuna) as well as sashimi (individual pieces of fish served with ginger, soy sauce and wasabi). —Jenna Thompson april 15, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026

Pasta with wasabi cream was a solid dish, but the scallops crowning the noodles seemed a touch overcooked and under-seasoned. —Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026

The next, a multi-course tasting menu featuring teriyaki king oyster mushrooms and springbok carpaccio with wasabi aioli and micro radish. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 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