wasabi

American  

[wah-sah-bee] / wɑˈsɑ bi /

noun

1. an Asian plant, Eutrema wasabi, of the mustard family.

2. the pungent, greenish root of this plant, which can be grated and used as a condiment.

---

wasabi British  

/ wəˈsɑːbɪ /

noun

1. a Japanese cruciferous plant, Eutrema Wasabi , cultivated for its thick green pungent root

2. the root of this plant, esp in paste or powder form, used as a condiment in Japanese cookery

---

Etymology

Origin of wasabi

(< New Latin ) < Japanese

Example Sentences

Freshly grated wasabi is prepared tableside, a small touch that makes each bite even more memorable.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

"If we're getting longer summers, if we're getting hotter summers, then it does become more of a challenge to grow wasabi - even in the UK."

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2024

The I.S.S. galley is often stocked with wasabi and hot sauce.

From New York Times • Nov. 12, 2023

Seconds later, Darwin’s screaming with wasabi in his eyes, which Greg tries to alleviate with a can of La Croix water that contains “just a hint” of lemon.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2023

But somehow they figured out that eating wasabi kept them healthier.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan