sparrowgrass

[ spar-oh-gras, -grahs ]

/ ˈspær oʊˌgræs, -ˌgrɑs /

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noun Informal.

asparagus.

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Origin of sparrowgrass

First recorded in 1650–60; by folk etymology

Words nearby sparrowgrass

sparling, sparoid, sparring partner, sparrow, sparrowfart, sparrowgrass, sparrow hawk, sparry, sparse, sparsely, Sparta

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use sparrowgrass in a sentence

Look at old Pedro and Philippa over there, setting out that stuff that looks like sparrowgrass.
West Wind Drift|George Barr McCutcheon
Mrs. Sparrowgrass and I have concluded to try it once more; we are going to give the country another chance.
Little Masterpieces of American Wit and Humor|Various
"Now," said I to Mrs. Sparrowgrass, "we shall have fresh fish to-morrow for breakfast," and went out to set it.
Little Masterpieces of American Wit and Humor|Various
Besides, Mrs. Sparrowgrass had bought a rattle when she was in Philadelphia; such a rattle as watchmen carry there.
Little Masterpieces of American Wit and Humor|Various

If ever I felt angry at anybody it was at myself for putting up those bars to please Mrs. Sparrowgrass.
Little Masterpieces of American Wit and Humor|Various

British Dictionary definitions for sparrowgrass

sparrowgrass

/ (ˈspærəʊˌɡrɑːs) /

noun

a dialect or popular name for asparagus

Word Origin for sparrowgrass

C17: variant of asparagus, associated by folk etymology with sparrow and grass

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012