Dec 5, 2025 sarsaparilla ˌsa-spə-ˈri-lə 5 syllables rare ‹ noun. any of various tropical American greenbriers noun. the dried roots of a sarsaparilla used especially as a flavoring noun. any of various plants (such as wild sarsaparilla) that resemble or are used as a substitute for sarsaparilla › Origin Spanish zarzaparrilla, from zarza bush + parrilla, diminutive of parra vine.