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

This week, the pizzeria is phasing out springtime asparagus, introducing a juicy corn topping with poblano chile, red onion, cilantro, lime and three cheeses on one pie. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025

Add zest to gnocchi with lemon asparagus sauce, perfect for spring! —Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 28 May 2025

Visitors play games from the hit show such as magic asparagus, go inside the cardboard castle, zip down slides, have a dance party and even get a photo opportunity with Bluey and Bingo. —Nevin Martell, USA Today, 27 May 2025

Keep in mind, in the world of asparagus, thin and spindly is not always better than thick and chunky. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025

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) 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