yam

noun

ˈyam 

1

: the edible starchy tuberous root of various plants (genus Dioscorea of the family Dioscoreaceae) used as a staple food in tropical areas

also : a plant producing yams

2

: a moist usually orange-fleshed sweet potato

Examples of yam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The man from the city provided goats, yam, fish, palm oil, orogbo, sugar and honey. —Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025

They’re typically derived from plants like yams or soy. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 Oct. 2025

Choose between beef, pulled pork, chicken, salmon, or veggie with a side of yam fries. —Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 1 Oct. 2025

While the shop certainly serves traditional coffee drinks, it’s also known for its purple drinks made with ube, a type of purple yam, and other creative, vibrant menu items such as a strawberry-rose latte with Nutella. —Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

earlier iname, from Portuguese inhame & Spanish ñame, of African origin; akin to Fulani nyami to eat

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for yam

• am
• bam
• cham
• clam
• damme
• damn
• dram
• flam
• fram
• gram
• ham
• jam

Kids Definition

yam

noun

ˈyam 

1

: an edible starchy root that is an important food in tropical areas

also : a plant producing yams

2

: a sweet potato with moist usually orange flesh