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

On my recent visit, Ko’s menu featured Molokai purple sweet potatoes, sea asparagus, hearts of palm — even upcountry blueberries. —Ben Davidson, Mercury News, 1 May 2025

In the end, the judges choose the winning team and name Michelle — who once cooked asparagus next to Julia Child! —Claire Franken, TVLine, 28 Apr. 2025

When choosing asparagus, look for bright green stalks with tightly closed and compact tips. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2025

Add the asparagus to the same skillet with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, just to soften it slightly. —Nicole Hvidsten, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 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