taro

noun

ta·​ro ˈtär-(ˌ)ō  ˈter- 

plural taros

: a large-leaved tropical Asian plant (Colocasia esculenta) of the arum family grown throughout the tropics for its edible starchy corms and cormels and in temperate regions for ornament

also : its corms and cormels typically cooked as a vegetable or ground into flour

Examples of taro in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Expect a mix of French pastries and Asian desserts including red bean buns and taro cream bread. —Audrey Kennedy, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024

Then my cousin arrives with taro egg pudding milk tea! —R29 Team, refinery29.com, 11 Sep. 2024

Together, Domingo, Sherman, and Sherman's partner Mecca Bos, a founder of the BIPOC Foodways Alliance, drove around Oahu to meet farmers sustaining native taro crops, try dishes from Pacific Rim cultures, and consume a whole lot of fresh fish. —Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2024

Taro root lends a mellow and cozy flavor and texture; Yeh’s version will surprise even the most avid taro fiend (me) with its pillowy, soft, and gentle mouthfeel. —Ingu Chen, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Tahitian & Maori

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

taro

noun

ta·​ro ˈtär-ō  ˈtar- 

ˈter-

plural taros

: a large-leaved tropical Asian plant grown throughout the tropics for its edible starchy rounded underground stem

also : the stem typically cooked as a vegetable or ground into flour