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
From frog legs to Chinese yams, a popular Johnson County grocery store is headed to the Northland with a wide array of international items.
—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2026
Sulwhasoo's Gentle Cleansing Foam creates a rich lather that removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping skin, while ingredients like ginseng, orange peel, chestnut shell, and yam root leave your complexion soft, balanced, and comfortably hydrated.
—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 June 2026
The lingcod is perfectly cooked and swimming in a broth with eggplant, roasted celtuce, and yam leaves.
—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
16 June 2026
Some villagers sat in the shade of towering fig trees, while others planted yams or dug the soil with tree branches.
—
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for yam
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Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2026
Sulwhasoo's Gentle Cleansing Foam creates a rich lather that removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping skin, while ingredients like ginseng, orange peel, chestnut shell, and yam root leave your complexion soft, balanced, and comfortably hydrated.
—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 June 2026
The lingcod is perfectly cooked and swimming in a broth with eggplant, roasted celtuce, and yam leaves.
—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
16 June 2026
Some villagers sat in the shade of towering fig trees, while others planted yams or dug the soil with tree branches.
—
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for yam
Cite this Entry
“Yam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yam. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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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