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
Arrange in a single layer and roast until potatoes are just fork-tender and starting to brown, 45–55 minutes.
—
Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
The locals take codfish that’s been salted and reconstitute it and crisp it, then mix it with things like potatoes.
—Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 23 Mar. 2026
By the end of March, however, potatoes, onions, carrots, lettuce, and peas should also be in the ground.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2026
All steaks come with the choice of two sides– baked potatoes, steak cut fries, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, rice, salad or mac and cheese, among others.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for potato
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Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
The locals take codfish that’s been salted and reconstitute it and crisp it, then mix it with things like potatoes.
—Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 23 Mar. 2026
By the end of March, however, potatoes, onions, carrots, lettuce, and peas should also be in the ground.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2026
All steaks come with the choice of two sides– baked potatoes, steak cut fries, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, rice, salad or mac and cheese, among others.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 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 26 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
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