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

The brunch includes quiche Lorraine, crab and asparagus salad, breakfast potatoes and lemon-poppy cake and includes simple heating instructions. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026

Green asparagus, white asparagus, purple asparagus. —Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026

Three green veggies—collard greens, asparagus, and peas—give this pasta a superfood boost. —Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 28 Apr. 2026

The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival is in its 40th year, a tradition that stems from Stockton's deep-rooted asparagus history. —Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

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, the asparagus family) 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