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
Mash up ground beef for tacos in the pan, break apart your softened potatoes, and crush yams with this handy device.
—
Wendy Vazquez, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
Antioxidants in yams can help combat cancer and inflammation associated with conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
8.
—Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024
Think pumpkin pie, yams, Thanksgiving salad, breakfast casserole, sweet potato hash, soup bowls and glazed carrots.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 18 Oct. 2024
The coffee beverage blends layers of espresso and milk with a purple marshmallow ube (purple yam) flavor.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for yam 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Wendy Vazquez, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
Antioxidants in yams can help combat cancer and inflammation associated with conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
8.
—Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024
Think pumpkin pie, yams, Thanksgiving salad, breakfast casserole, sweet potato hash, soup bowls and glazed carrots.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 18 Oct. 2024
The coffee beverage blends layers of espresso and milk with a purple marshmallow ube (purple yam) flavor.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for yam
Articles Related to yam
Dictionary Entries Near yam
Cite this Entry
“Yam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yam. Accessed 1 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share