yam

noun

ˈyam 

1

: the edible starchy tuberous root of various plants (genus Dioscorea of the family Dioscoreaceae) used as a staple food in tropical areas

also : a plant producing yams

2

: a moist usually orange-fleshed sweet potato

Examples of yam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Jordan Kahn’s Destroyer is making a Murasaki yam custard pie, glazed with a thin layer of black currant. —Bryan A’hearn, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2024

Formerly referred to as Chinese yam, this fast-growing vine with potatolike tubers is found in several locations in Michigan. —Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 30 July 2024

These individual bites of ube (or purple yam) ice cream are coated in a chewy mochi exterior with a flavor that’s something like a mix of vanilla and pistachio. —Natasha Fischer, Contributor, CNBC, 17 July 2024

Restaurant Le Pitaya serves Creole-influence food such as chicken with a yam mousseline and rum jus. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

earlier iname, from Portuguese inhame & Spanish ñame, of African origin; akin to Fulani nyami to eat

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

yam

noun

ˈyam 

1

: an edible starchy root that is an important food in tropical areas

also : a plant producing yams

2

: a sweet potato with moist usually orange flesh