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
Thompson begins by slackening onions in a pan, followed by garlic and yellow yam, tomatoes and red bell pepper, contrasts of yield and crunch.
—
Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024
Strangers, old friends and everyone in between are getting a warm welcome at the new Londa’s To-Go in West Charlotte, where takeout orders for fried chicken, smothered pork chops, cabbage and candied yams are flying out the door.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2024
The all-you-can-eat buffet features Southern comfort-food staples like collard greens, black-eyed peas, candied yams and rice.
—Journal Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2024
Today, the menu has expanded to include tortas, burritos, nachos and fillings like lobster, filet mignon and yams with wild rice.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2024
How about winter squash, plantains, yams or carrots?
—Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024
Learn how to make double mustard greens and roasted yam soup, sweet cornmeal-coconut butter drop biscuits, and so much more with this innovative cookbook that highlights the complex flavors and storytelling aspect of African-American and Southern cuisine with an emphasis on healthy ingredients.
—L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2024
The Instagram crowd seems fascinated with the La Souffle Pancakes as well as the Ube Pancakes with purple yam, ube-coconut sauce and fresh mixed berries.
—John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2024
That might include bread made from yam and fonio (an ancient grain), beef served with eggplant tartare, or a palm oil and sweet-potato purée.
—Alicia Erickson, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2023
Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024
Strangers, old friends and everyone in between are getting a warm welcome at the new Londa’s To-Go in West Charlotte, where takeout orders for fried chicken, smothered pork chops, cabbage and candied yams are flying out the door.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2024
The all-you-can-eat buffet features Southern comfort-food staples like collard greens, black-eyed peas, candied yams and rice.
—Journal Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2024
Today, the menu has expanded to include tortas, burritos, nachos and fillings like lobster, filet mignon and yams with wild rice.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2024
How about winter squash, plantains, yams or carrots?
—Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024
Learn how to make double mustard greens and roasted yam soup, sweet cornmeal-coconut butter drop biscuits, and so much more with this innovative cookbook that highlights the complex flavors and storytelling aspect of African-American and Southern cuisine with an emphasis on healthy ingredients.
—L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2024
The Instagram crowd seems fascinated with the La Souffle Pancakes as well as the Ube Pancakes with purple yam, ube-coconut sauce and fresh mixed berries.
—John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2024
That might include bread made from yam and fonio (an ancient grain), beef served with eggplant tartare, or a palm oil and sweet-potato purée.
—Alicia Erickson, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'yam.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Yam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yam. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
yam
noun1
: 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
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