noun

yam

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Yam (noun) means a starchy edible root grown as a staple food in tropical regions. Example: “Boiled yam is a common side dish in West African cooking.”

noun

A starchy edible root grown as a staple food in tropical regions.

"Boiled yam is a common side dish in West African cooking."

In American usage, a sweet potato.

"Grandma always serves candied yams at Thanksgiving."

How to use yam

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA starchy root vegetable, though what counts as a "yam" differs — true yams are a different plant from the sweet potatoes Americans often call yams.

Common mistake

In the US, "yam" is often used loosely for sweet potato; true yams (genus Dioscorea) are a different, starchier vegetable more common in African and Caribbean cooking.

Easily confused with

sweet potato

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: yams
Third person singular: yams
Past tense: yammed

Test yourself on “yam” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Boiled _____ is a common side dish in West African cooking.

Etymology

Borrowed from Portuguese inhame and Spanish ñame, which most likely go back to Wolof ñàmbi (“cassava”) or a related word. The spelling yam is recorded as early as 1657.

Origin: Portuguese

Synonyms

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yam plant

Rhymes for yam

Shyam Maryam

See all rhymes for yam →

Frequently asked questions

What does “yam” mean?

The word “yam” means a starchy edible root grown as a staple food in tropical regions. In plain terms, a starchy root vegetable, though what counts as a "yam" differs — true yams are a different plant from the sweet potatoes Americans often call yams.

How do you pronounce “yam”?

“Yam” is pronounced yam (/jæm/ in IPA).

How do you use “yam” in a sentence?

Here is “yam” used in a sentence: “Boiled yam is a common side dish in West African cooking.”

What part of speech is “yam”?

“Yam” is a noun.

How many meanings does “yam” have?

“Yam” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a starchy edible root grown as a staple food in tropical regions.

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