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

Taínos cultivated different crops ranging from fruits to sweet potatoes, yams, and peanuts. —Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 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