Potato

/pəˈteɪtoʊ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A starchy tuber that is a root vegetable, typically brown or yellow in skin color and white or yellow in flesh, widely cultivated as a food source.

I prepared mashed potato as a side dish for dinner.

The plant Solanum tuberosum, which produces the edible tubers.

We planted potato in the garden this spring.

A term used in informal contexts to denote a person perceived as clumsy or dull-witted.

He felt like a potato after tripping over his own feet.

From Spanish 'patata', from Taíno 'batata'.

couch potato

A lazy person who spends a lot of time sitting or lying down, often watching television.

hot potato

A controversial issue or situation that is difficult to handle.

potato sack race

A racing game in which competitors place both legs in a sack and hop towards a finish line.

mashed potato

Potatoes that have been boiled and mashed, often served as a side dish.

French fries

Potatoes that have been cut into strips and deep-fried.

potato chip

Thin slices of potato that are fried until crispy, often eaten as a snack.

Couch potato

He's a real couch potato; he never goes outside.

Get roasted like a potato

He got roasted like a potato during that debate.