Illustration of parsnip
parsnip
noun
pars·nip ˈpär-snəp 
: a Eurasian biennial herb (Pastinaca sativa) of the carrot family with large pinnate leaves and yellow flowers that is cultivated for its long tapered whitish root which is cooked as a vegetable
also : the root
Did you know?
The word parsnip was borrowed into Middle English in the 14th century as a modification of the Old French word pasnaie, itself derived from the Latin noun pastinaca, meaning "parsnip" or "carrot." The scientific name for the parsnip, "Pastinaca sativa," still reflects this history. "Pastinaca," in turn, traces back to "pastinum," a Latin word for a small gardening tool used to make holes in the ground for the insertion of plants, seeds, or bulbs. "Parsnip" may also remind you of the name of another edible root, "turnip," and there's a possible explanation for the resemblance. The Middle English spelling of "parsnip" ("passenep") may have been influenced by "nepe," the old form of "turnip."
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Wild parsnip, a slightly shorter plant with a flat cluster of yellow flowers, causes terrible blistering if the sap gets on skin and is exposed to sunlight. 
Judi Ketteler, Good Housekeeping, 24 Apr. 2022 On a numbingly cold day in Upstate New York, Judith Bryant was eating a bowl of potato, parsnip and turnip soup at a cafe in downtown Auburn. Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2022 Though the chunks of parsnip almost resemble bones at first glance in the final dish, the tagine’s overall impression is sweet and golden, both visually and on the tongue. New York Times, 29 Oct. 2021 Strain milk mixture into potato-parsnip mixture; discard solids. Kate Merker, Good Housekeeping, 8 Oct. 2021 Wild parsnip, which is often found growing alongside poison hemlock, can react with the skin if touched, destroying epidermal cells and possibly leading to severe blistering. Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 6 Aug. 2021 Wild parsnip can cause mild panic among gardeners who display graphic photos of skin damage on social media. Jennifer Rude Klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 16 Sep. 2021 Golden Alexanders also blooms earlier than wild parsnip. Jennifer Rude Klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 16 Sep. 2021 Its seeds look similar to those of anise and its roots resemble parsnip roots. Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 6 Aug. 2021 See More
Judi Ketteler, Good Housekeeping, 24 Apr. 2022 On a numbingly cold day in Upstate New York, Judith Bryant was eating a bowl of potato, parsnip and turnip soup at a cafe in downtown Auburn. Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2022 Though the chunks of parsnip almost resemble bones at first glance in the final dish, the tagine’s overall impression is sweet and golden, both visually and on the tongue. New York Times, 29 Oct. 2021 Strain milk mixture into potato-parsnip mixture; discard solids. Kate Merker, Good Housekeeping, 8 Oct. 2021 Wild parsnip, which is often found growing alongside poison hemlock, can react with the skin if touched, destroying epidermal cells and possibly leading to severe blistering. Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 6 Aug. 2021 Wild parsnip can cause mild panic among gardeners who display graphic photos of skin damage on social media. Jennifer Rude Klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 16 Sep. 2021 Golden Alexanders also blooms earlier than wild parsnip. Jennifer Rude Klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 16 Sep. 2021 Its seeds look similar to those of anise and its roots resemble parsnip roots. Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 6 Aug. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English passenep, modification of Old French pasnaie, from Latin pastinaca, from pastinum 2-pronged dibble
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing parsnip
Kids Definition
parsnip
noun
pars·nip ˈpär-snəp
: the long white root of a garden plant that is cooked as a vegetable