yam

[ yam ]

noun

1. the starchy, tuberous root of any of various climbing vines of the genus Dioscorea, cultivated for food in warm regions.
2. any of these plants.
3. the sweet potato.
4. Scot. potato ( def 1 ).

yam

/ jæm /

noun

1. any of various twining plants of the genus Dioscorea, of tropical and subtropical regions, cultivated for their edible tubers: family Dioscoreaceae
2. the starchy tuber of any of these plants, which is eaten as a vegetable
3. any of certain large varieties of sweet potato
4. a former Scot name for the (common) potato

Word History and Origins

Origin of yam¹

First recorded in 1580–90; compare Gullah nyam, Jamaican English nyaams, Sranan jamsi, from sources in one or more West African languages (compare Wolof nyam (nyam), Fulani nyami “to eat,” Twi εnãm “flesh”); earlier English forms, from Portuguese inhame or Spanish (i)ñame

Word History and Origins

Origin of yam¹

C17: from Portuguese inhame, ultimately of West African origin; compare Senegal nyami to eat

Example Sentences

In 2022, Times photographer Marcus Yam received the breaking news photography award for his sobering images of the U.S. departure from Afghanistan that captured the human cost of the historic change in the country.

From Los Angeles Times

Yam reported from Jerusalem and Wilkinson from Washington.

From Los Angeles Times

Wilkinson reported from Washington and Yam from Jerusalem.

From Los Angeles Times

Times photojournalist Marcus Yam contributed to this report from Tel Aviv.

From Los Angeles Times

Yam and special correspondent Matan Cohen contributed to this report.

From Los Angeles Times