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
In one study, chitinase extracted from a yam was sprayed on powdery mildew that had infected strawberry foliage and fruit.
—
Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2025
Take the skin off the yams, squeeze yams into other ingredients and mix well.
—Jessica Fields, Essence, 28 Feb. 2025
Today, their store carries a wide selection of African foods from across the continent—yams from Ghana and Nigeria, cassava leaves, fufu flour and spices that take their customers back to familiar kitchens and celebrations.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
The yams were cut into thick, steak-like circles and topped with pickled shallots.
—Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2025
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Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2025
Take the skin off the yams, squeeze yams into other ingredients and mix well.
—Jessica Fields, Essence, 28 Feb. 2025
Today, their store carries a wide selection of African foods from across the continent—yams from Ghana and Nigeria, cassava leaves, fufu flour and spices that take their customers back to familiar kitchens and celebrations.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
The yams were cut into thick, steak-like circles and topped with pickled shallots.
—Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for yam
Articles Related to yam
Cite this Entry
“Yam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yam. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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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