Illustration of potato
- potato 2a
potato
noun
po·ta·to
pə-ˈtā-(ˌ)tō 
-tə
dialectal pə-ˈdā-,
bə-
plural potatoes
often attributive
1
2
a
: an erect South American herb (Solanum tuberosum) of the nightshade family widely cultivated for its edible starchy tuber
b
: the tuber of a potato
called also Irish potato, spud, white potato
Examples of potato in a Sentence
She's growing carrots and potatoes in her garden this year.
Recent Examples on the Web
This dish is a staple in Southern diners and is usually served with green beans and mashed potatoes, though it can also be served with other side dishes.
—
Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
Turn the heat to high, salt the potatoes generously, and using tongs, gently and carefully move them around to be sure they’re all submerged in the oil.
—C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026
This rich and comforting potato casserole is delicious any time of day but is especially coveted for Easter brunch.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
Visitors can order them as a plate meal with sides like baked beans, cheesy potatoes and jalapeño apple slaw.
—Joseph Hernandez
march 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for potato
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.
Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
Turn the heat to high, salt the potatoes generously, and using tongs, gently and carefully move them around to be sure they’re all submerged in the oil.
—C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026
This rich and comforting potato casserole is delicious any time of day but is especially coveted for Easter brunch.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
Visitors can order them as a plate meal with sides like baked beans, cheesy potatoes and jalapeño apple slaw.
—Joseph Hernandez
march 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for potato
Cite this Entry
“Potato.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potato. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
plural potatoes
2
a
: an erect South American herb widely cultivated for its thick starchy edible underground tubers
b
: one of these edible tubers
called also Irish potato, spud, white potato
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
