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

Other foods to avoid include fibrous vegetables, such as celery, onion skins, artichokes, and asparagus. —Steven John, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2025

It is also found in broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and asparagus. —Jennifer Lefton, Ms, Rd/n, Cnsc, Fand, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025

If ever there was a time to eat your peas, asparagus and a buffet table of other detestable vegetables, Friday was it. —Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2025

When asparagus came in the spring, people gorged on them, and the running of salmon was cause for feasting––all of it as fresh as the morning it was collected or caught. —John Mariani, Forbes, 27 Dec. 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