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

Best bargain is the three-meat platter with beans, smoked mac and cheese, and yams. —John Mariani, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

The milk is usually condensed milk and/or evaporated milk , but this recipe utilizes canned coconut milk to make the halaya extra rich and bring out the nutty flavor of the yam. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025

The name is a play on the cute, chunky thighs of babies that are reminiscent of a yam, the starchy tuber’s importance within the diaspora, as well as the traditions of midwifery and doula work that go way back. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025

Other healthy options include rutabagas, turnips, purple sweet potatoes and yams. —Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for yam

• am
• bam
• cham
• clam
• damme
• damn
• dram
• flam
• fram
• gram
• ham
• jam

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