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

From noon to 8 p.m. everyday, customers line up at the cafeteria counter to feast on dishes like fried catfish, brisket, candied yams and cornbread. —John Tuohy, The Indianapolis Star, 31 Dec. 2024

According to a Dietitian Forms of Ube Purple Yam Ube purple yams are versatile cooking ingredients. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024

Expect local flavors like durian, red bean, yam, and sweet corn, spooned between wafer biscuits or slices of pillowy pandan bread. —Chloe Sachdev, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Dec. 2024

And sweet potatoes were reminiscent of the yams native to West Africa, where many slaves were from. —Leah Asmelash, CNN, 27 Nov. 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