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 best of all is the way its cocktail of growth factors, peptides, collagen amino acids, and wild yam extract comes together to bring baby cheeks–levels of plumpness to your skin.
—
Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
In short, true yams are an entirely different vegetable.
—Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025
These compounds are typically synthesized from plant precursors, such as molecules derived from yams or soy, and formulated to mimic endogenous hormones.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
People here farm cassava, watermelon, yam, and corn.
—IEEE Spectrum, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for yam
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
In short, true yams are an entirely different vegetable.
—Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025
These compounds are typically synthesized from plant precursors, such as molecules derived from yams or soy, and formulated to mimic endogenous hormones.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
People here farm cassava, watermelon, yam, and corn.
—IEEE Spectrum, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for yam
Cite this Entry
“Yam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yam. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
yam
noun1
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share