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

Baby carrots with almond butter Dinner: Grilled salmon with asparagus and potatoes 3. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2025

Foods like asparagus, spinach, nuts and seeds, and avocado are all good sources. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025

Serve it with a fresh side, like sautéed asparagus or green beans, and a good glass of wine. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025

Michigan is the No. 1 producer of asparagus in the nation, a crop that requires picking by hand. —Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press, 11 Nov. 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