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

Each meal, which serves eight to 10 people, includes one pan of yams, cornbread dressing, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls, cranberry sauce and gravy. —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 11 Nov. 2025

Although sweet potato casserole reigns supreme, candied yams are a true Southern classic at Thanksgiving. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025

And the sweet potato/yam debacle is no exception. —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Nov. 2025

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