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.
However, nasturtiums don’t mind growing in the light shade cast by asparagus plants and asparagus beetles are less likely to visit a patch of asparagus if nasturtiums are growing nearby. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025 Baby carrots with almond butter Dinner: Grilled salmon with asparagus and potatoes 3. — Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2025 Foods like asparagus, spinach, nuts and seeds, and avocado are all good sources. — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025 Serve it with a fresh side, like sautéed asparagus or green beans, and a good glass of wine. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 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

asparagus
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Cite this Entry

“Asparagus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asparagus. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of asparagus for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about asparagus

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