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

Spring coincides with the peak of the Central Valley growing season, when farmers markets fill with strawberries, asparagus, and other early harvests that quickly show up on restaurant menus. —Keyla Vasconcellos, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026

For spring, asparagus, artichokes, peas, spring onions, radishes and bok choy are all in peak form, and several overlap with the Clean Fifteen. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2026

Spring 2026 picks include asparagus, artichokes, peas, spring onions, radishes and bok choy — several of which appear on the Clean Fifteen. —Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026

There are bundles of taut chives still topped with blossoms, sweet and tender spears of asparagus, and creamy new potatoes all waiting to be snapped up. —Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 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