parsnip

[ pahr-snip ]

noun

1. a plant, Pastinaca sativa, cultivated varieties of which have a large, whitish, edible root.
2. the root of this plant.

parsnip

/ ˈpɑːsnɪp /

noun

1. a strong-scented umbelliferous plant, Pastinaca sativa, cultivated for its long whitish root
2. the root of this plant, eaten as a vegetable
3. any of several similar plants, esp the cow parsnip

Word History and Origins

Origin of parsnip¹

1350–1400; earlier pars ( e ) nep, pass ( e ) nep, Middle English pas ( t ) nep ( e ) < Latin past ( ināca ) parsnip (derivative of pastinum forked dibble) + Middle English nep turnip; neep

Word History and Origins

Origin of parsnip¹

C14: from Old French pasnaie, from Latin pastināca, from pastināre to dig, from pastinum two-pronged tool for digging; also influenced by Middle English nepe turnip

Example Sentences

Fire is bad for all animals, but the first plants that come back, benefiting from openings in the tree canopy, are really good food for bears: huckleberry, cow parsnip and horsetail, to name a few.

From Seattle Times

It said appetite for traditional Christmas dinner items was particularly strong in 2023, with volumes of parsnips, sprouts and potatoes up, along with festive meats including pigs in blankets, sausages, hams and turkeys.

From BBC

As a self-described “elite,” it would be a good time for him to brush up on the current affairs of us common parsnips.

From Salon

Overall, the basic ingredients for the big day - turkey, stuffing, gravy, pigs in blankets, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, Christmas pudding and mince pies - would typically cost around £32.35.

From BBC

There were oysters, salmon with Hollandaise sauce, beef, squab, duck, roast chicken, green peas, parsnip purée and Victoria pudding.

From New York Times