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

Among the VIPs sitting down to asparagus with vinaigrette and poached cod? —Kerry McDermott, Vogue, 27 June 2024

Fresh Asparagus With White Beans and Crispy Cheddar Bookmark this recipe for when peak-season asparagus is at the farmers market. —Anna Luisa Rodriguez, Washington Post, 31 July 2024

Baked in cream, Fontina, and Parmesan, this asparagus cooks up golden brown and bubbly. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 20 July 2024

Harkin fusses over every detail; from the view from their table to the freshness of the asparagus and if the right kind of booze is behind the bar, driving waiters nuts. —Robert Leonard, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024

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