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
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a buffet of traditional Nigerian foods including coconut rice, rice with stew, yam porridge, abacha, moi-moi, egg rolls, meatballs, puff puff, nuts and plantain chips.
—
Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 27 Nov. 2023
Not only does its color shine among the browns and beiges of side dishes like stuffing and mashed potatoes, but its sweet-tart flavor offsets the richness of roasted turkey, macaroni and cheese, and buttery yams.
—Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for yam 
Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 27 Nov. 2023
Not only does its color shine among the browns and beiges of side dishes like stuffing and mashed potatoes, but its sweet-tart flavor offsets the richness of roasted turkey, macaroni and cheese, and buttery yams.
—Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for yam
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 29 May. 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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