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

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

Starters include a tuna tartare with purple yam chips and crème fraiche drawing from a Dior tulle gown worn by actress Emilia Clarke at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and a black truffle agnolotti with mushroom consommé referencing Charlize Theron’s 2006 J’Adore campaign. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025

And best of all is the way its cocktail of growth factors, peptides, collagen amino acids, and wild yam extract comes together to bring baby cheeks–levels of plumpness to your skin. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

In short, true yams are an entirely different vegetable. —Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 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