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

And sweet potatoes were reminiscent of the yams native to West Africa, where many slaves were from. —Leah Asmelash, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024

Pumpkin spice avocado oil adds a festive flair to autumn favorites like pumpkin bread, vegetable soups and roasted yams. —Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 26 Nov. 2024

Variations of this pudding abound, for example Jamaica has a sweet potato pudding which replaces bananas with yam. —Essence, 25 Nov. 2024

Individual sides include mashed potatoes, candied yams, carrot and raisin salad, and fruit salad. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American-Statesman, 7 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