jicama

American  

[hee-kuh-muh, hik-uh-] / ˈhi kə mə, ˈhɪk ə- /

noun

1. the large, edible, tuberous root of a tropical American plant, Pachyrhizus erosus, of the legume family, eaten as a vegetable either raw or boiled.

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jicama British  

/ dʒɪˈkɑːmə, xɪkama /

noun

1. a pale brown turnip with crisp sweet flesh, originating in Mexico

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Etymology

Origin of jicama

1900–05; < Mexican Spanish < Nahuatl xīcama, xīcamatl

Example Sentences

Pickled vegetables add a bright, briny snap to otherwise familiar dishes: carrots and jicama, scallions or classic cucumbers become unexpected stars.

From Salon • Dec. 20, 2025

Also good choices are root vegetables, such as carrots, jicama or turnips, that can be eaten cooked or raw, and fruits, such as apples, bananas, lemons and oranges.

From Washington Post • Dec. 5, 2022

You’ll find Kurobuta pork in a fluffy white bun for meat-eaters; the veggie option has bean curd, baby bok choy, two kinds of mushrooms, glass noodles and jicama.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 19, 2022

The most recent date is 2019 for El Cholo’s Mexican chopped vegetable salad, which features kale, jicama and a citrus vinaigrette and is a reflection of demand for lighter, healthier options with “Mexican” flavors.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2022

Heather nibbles through her jicama and whole-grain roll, and blows me off while she eats her baby carrots.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson