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noun Uncommon

asparagus

uh-SPAR-uh-guhs

Asparagus (noun) means a vegetable plant grown for its tender young shoots, eaten as food. Example: “We grilled some asparagus to go with the steak.”

noun
1
A vegetable plant grown for its tender young shoots, eaten as food.
"We grilled some asparagus to go with the steak."
"Fresh asparagus is in season during the spring."

How to use asparagus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA green vegetable eaten as thin, tender stalks.

Common mistake

Asparagus is uncountable as a food item — say "some asparagus," not "an asparagus" or "asparaguses."

Word forms

asparagus plural, asparaguses plural, asparagusses plural, asparagi plural

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Test yourself on “asparagus” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

We grilled some _____ to go with the steak.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek asparagos via Latin. In some English dialects the word was reshaped by folk etymology into "sparrowgrass."

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for asparagus

See all rhymes for asparagus →

Frequently asked questions

What does “asparagus” mean?

The word “asparagus” means a vegetable plant grown for its tender young shoots, eaten as food. In plain terms, a green vegetable eaten as thin, tender stalks.

How do you pronounce “asparagus”?

“Asparagus” is pronounced uh-SPAR-uh-guhs (/əˈspæɹ.ə.ɡəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “asparagus” in a sentence?

Here is “asparagus” used in a sentence: “We grilled some asparagus to go with the steak.”

What part of speech is “asparagus”?

“Asparagus” is a noun.

Where does the word “asparagus” come from?

The word “asparagus” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek asparagos via Latin. In some English dialects the word was reshaped by folk etymology into "sparrowgrass.".

Is “asparagus” a common word?

“Asparagus” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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