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

See Examples For:

jicama

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

But on one spring evening, Fadul and her team served thin slices of the raw fruit, which tastes like a cross between jicama and cucumber.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 25, 2024

To serve, spread a warm tortilla with some of the mashed avocado mixture, then top with the jicama or radish, pineapple, and pomegranate seeds.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 2, 2023

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

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