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 Park said her favorite roll on the menu is the Olive Garden, a vegan roll filled with avocado, cucumber, pickled radish, seaweed salad and asparagus in soy paper. Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2024 For starters, order a garden pea vichyssoise (soup), endive and asparagus salad or oeufs en meurette (a French poached egg dish). Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2024 The recipe makes the most of seasonal produce like asparagus and peas to create a market-fresh main brightened with lemon zest and dill. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2024 Buy really fresh asparagus and radishes, from a farmers market if possible—that too will make a difference. Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024 Our spring green smoothie combines asparagus, spinach, green grapes, and kiwis for a tasty green drink that's packed full of vitamins. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2024 That includes artichokes, asparagus, rhubarb and peas of all types, just to name a few. Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2024 It is mixed in the grocery, with eggs, apples and deli snacks cheaper than last year, and prices for asparagus and blackberries rising. Anne D'innocenzio, Quartz, 20 Feb. 2024 But asparagus and bacon may be the ultimate combination. Jorie Nicole McDonald, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2024

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 29 Mar. 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

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