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

Add asparagus and cook until bright green and tender-crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2025

Avoid asparagus that appears soft, mushy, or discolored. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025

Germans love to brag about their food and beer, and nothing ignites their passion quite like white asparagus, aka the queen of vegetables according to Germans. —Yolanda Evans, AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025

For a truly elevated pairing, pair it with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or mushrooms, which further complement the strain’s terpene profile. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 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