asparagus

noun

as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈsper-ə-gəs 

-ˈspa-rə-

plural asparagus

: any of a genus (Asparagus of the family Asparagaceae, the asparagus family) of Old World perennial plants having much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow usually filiform branchlets that function as leaves

especially : one (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its edible young shoots

Illustration of asparagus

Examples of asparagus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rich abalone shared a bowl with crisp, fresh asparagus and a sauce of miso, koji, and black garlic. — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 2026

The limited menu features giant omelets, Belgian waffles, and two versions of eggs Benedict—one that’s traditional and another that trades the ham and tomato for filet mignon tips and asparagus. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2026

Foods rich in prebiotics include asparagus, oats, apples, and garlic, Rojas said. — Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 27 Sep. 2026

Rent a bicycle to circuit Lido island’s former asparagus and artichoke fields, now prime real estate with some of the most impressive private Liberty villas. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, asparagus plant, from Greek asparagos; perhaps akin to Greek spargan to swell

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

asparagus

noun

as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs 

: a tall branching long-lived herb related to the lilies and widely grown for its thick edible young shoots

Medical Definition

asparagus

noun

as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs 

1

capitalized : a genus of Old World perennial herbs (family Asparagaceae, the asparagus family) having erect much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow filiform branchlets that function as leaves

2

a

: any plant of the genus Asparagus

especially : a plant (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its tender edible young shoots

b

: the root of cultivated asparagus formerly used as a diuretic