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

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

The root part is mild, juicy and sweet and may remind you of a variation of jicama.

From Salon • Aug. 12, 2022

In a large bowl toss together the beans, cherries, jicama and scallion.

From Washington Post • Jul. 14, 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