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.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

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.