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

To grow these slips, grab an organic sweet potato—it’s recommended to use an organic tuber, as regular ones are usually treated with anti-sprouting agents. —Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 31 May 2026

Here a 'Vogue Audrey' mandevilla takes center stage among 'Baby Tut' dwarf papyrus, a South Asian elephant ear plant, and a South American 'Blackie' sweet potato vine. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 30 May 2026

Make sure to try the sweet potato chips. —Kate Williams, AJC.com, 29 May 2026

For optimal growth, Langelo says to ensure the sweet potato vine receives full sun, consistent moisture, and well-draining soil. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sweet potato

• adagio
• altiplano
• arapaho
• arapahoe
• fortissimo
• manifesto
• 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