sweet potato

noun

1

: a tropical vine (Ipomoea batatas) of the morning-glory family that is often grown for its edible tuberous root or for its ornamental variously shaped green to purple leaves and usually white to pinkish funnel-shaped flowers with pink to purple centers

also : the large thick sweet and nutritious tuberous root of the sweet potato that has beige, yellow, orange, red, or purple flesh and is cooked and eaten as a vegetable compare yam sense 2

2

: ocarina

Examples of sweet potato in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One enchilada platter has roasted sweet potato and a cashew crema filling ($18). —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026

During the bouillabaisse course, for example, children get tomato soup and vegetarians receive a red pepper and tomato bisque with a sweet potato croquette. —Dashae Engler, Midwest Living, 8 Apr. 2026

Trailing geraniums, petunias, and chartreuse or purple sweet potato vines can be alternated around the sides of the pot. —ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026

Highlights include chicken sweet potato hash and prime rib with au jus and horseradish. —Ana Khan, Houston Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sweet potato

• adagio
• altiplano
• arapaho
• arapahoe
• manifesto
• medicago
• minangkabau
• oregano
• ostinato
• pistachio
• politico
• portfolio

Kids Definition

sweet potato

noun

1

: a tropical vine related to the morning glories and having variously shaped leaves and purplish flowers

also : its large sweet starchy root that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable

2

: ocarina