potato

noun

po·​ta·​to pə-ˈtā-(ˌ)tō 

-tə

dialectal pə-ˈdā-, 

bə- 

plural potatoes

often attributive

1

: sweet potato

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

Illustration of potato

• potato 2a

Examples of potato in a Sentence

She's growing carrots and potatoes in her garden this year.

Recent Examples on the Web

The menu began with Santa Barbara spot prawn with hearts of palm, grapefruit and citrus coulis, followed by wild turbot with celery root, potato Saint-Florentin, spinach subric, artichoke and truffle sauce. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, mash the beans into a thick paste. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Who could forget the omelettes, pancakes, French toast and smashed potatoes loaded with cheese, onions, peppers and eggs or meat? — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026

Key Takeaways Beets contain nitrates and potassium, which help manage blood pressure, while potatoes are also a good source of potassium. — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish batata, from Taino

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing potato

• Colorado potato beetle
• couch potato
• fingerling potato
• hot potato
• Irish potato
• jacket potato
• mouse potato
• new potato
• potato beetle
• potato blight
• potato bug
• potato chip
• potato crisp
• potato leafhopper
• potato pancake
• potato tuberworm
• seed potato
• small potato
• sweet potato
• white potato

Rhymes for potato

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

potato

noun

po·​ta·​to pə-ˈtāt-ō  pət-ˈāt- 

plural potatoes

1

: sweet potato sense 1

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