'asparagus' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'asparagus', which was borrowed from Greek 'asparagos', where 'asparagos' meant 'sprout' or 'shoot'.

'asparagus' changed from the Greek word 'asparagos' into Latin 'asparagus', entered Medieval/ Middle English in forms like 'asparagūs'/'asparage', and eventually became the modern English word 'asparagus'.

Initially, it meant 'young shoot' or 'sprout', and over time it retained this basic meaning, coming to refer especially to the edible shoot of the plant.