asparagus

noun

as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈsper-ə-gəs How to pronounce asparagus (audio)
-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

Illustration of asparagus

Examples of asparagus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The menu is filled with French classics with a modern twist, including wild turbot topped with hazelnuts, pigeon with shallot marmalade, and vegetarian options like its in-season asparagus, all expertly paired with the perfect wine. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2024 Growing vegetables, including asparagus, beets, cabbage, lettuce and onions, the garden produces an average of 3,000 pounds of vegetables per year that are donated to the Howard County Food Bank. Allana Haynes, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for asparagus 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'asparagus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of asparagus was in 1543

Dictionary Entries Near asparagus

Cite this Entry

“Asparagus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asparagus. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

asparagus

noun
as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs How to pronounce asparagus (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce asparagus (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on asparagus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!