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
Other healthy options include rutabagas, turnips, purple sweet potatoes and yams.
—
Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
Add the yam to the pot along with half of the spiced coconut milk mixture and the cooked red kidney beans and simmer for 10 minutes.
—Vicky Hallett, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025
Bake for ten minutes, then remove from the oven, turn the yams over, and add the broccolini.
—Randy Graham, Orange County Register, 22 Jan. 2025
For example, local yams from Ghana or Nigeria could pose a particular challenge.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for yam
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Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
Add the yam to the pot along with half of the spiced coconut milk mixture and the cooked red kidney beans and simmer for 10 minutes.
—Vicky Hallett, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025
Bake for ten minutes, then remove from the oven, turn the yams over, and add the broccolini.
—Randy Graham, Orange County Register, 22 Jan. 2025
For example, local yams from Ghana or Nigeria could pose a particular challenge.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for yam
Cite this Entry
“Yam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yam. Accessed 2 May. 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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