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

In The Road Less Eaten, Thomas tries the New York strip, which comes with a side of asparagus stuffed with goat cheese and fondant potatoes. —The Editors, Outside Online, 1 Nov. 2024

Thin veggies like asparagus and cruciferous veggies like broccoli might be ready to pull. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2024

One of, if not the, most unusual ships ever built, FLIP looks like a giant gray stalk of steel asparagus with a conventional ship's bow slapped onto the narrow end. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024

Serve with asparagus, a fresh tomato-cucumber salad, or simple roasted potatoes for an easy weeknight dinner. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 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