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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nonstarchy Vegetables Leafy greens, broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and more are all low in carbohydrates and calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025 Pair it with light, seasonal dishes such as grilled shrimp, goat cheese salads, roasted asparagus, lemony pasta, or soft cheeses like brie or burrata. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025 Grandview, population 11,000, is an agricultural town that grows apples, cherries, wine grapes, asparagus and other fruit and vegetables. Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025 Dinner at the new Asayss restaurant includes peppery chicken briouate pastries, M’hamsa—a risotto-like dish—with prawns and asparagus, poached Asni pears with chocolate and argan oil, and milk pastilla infused with orange blossom water. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for asparagus

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Asparagus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asparagus. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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

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