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

This method works best for thin cuts of protein, like chicken, fish fillet, pork, and steak, as well as vegetables that need a quick sear and crisp texture, such as asparagus and eggplant. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Jan. 2025

Compare asparagus cooked fresh, moments after it’s picked from the garden, Sutton suggests, to some that’s flash-frozen then prepared: the flavor’s far more impressive with the former. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2025

Other options: Examples are zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers, cucumbers, and mushrooms. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2025

Toss trimmed asparagus, green beans, and your sliced orange, with olive oil, salt, and pepper. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 31 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