taro

American  

[tahr-oh, tair-oh, tar-oh] / ˈtɑr oʊ, ˈtɛər oʊ, ˈtær oʊ /

noun

plural

taros

1. a plant, Colocasia esculenta, of the arum family, cultivated for its edible tuber: widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions, including the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, Australia, New Zealand, India, and a number of Asian and African nations.

2. the edible tuber of Colocasia esculenta, a widely distributed tropical and subtropical plant of the arum family.

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taro British  

/ ˈtɑːrəʊ /

noun

1. an aroid plant, Colocasia esculenta, cultivated in the tropics for its large edible rootstock

2. the rootstock of this plant

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Etymology

Origin of taro

Borrowed into English from Polynesian around 1770–80

Compare meaning

How does taro compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• malanga vs. taro

Example Sentences

By 10 p.m. at the Seafood City in North Hills, at least 500 people are dancing in the produce section, next to rows of saba bananas, fresh taro leaves and bok choy.

From Los Angeles Times

“She noticed that a lot of locals were always asking her for ingredients like sweet potatoes and taro, so she started selling fruits and expanded to vegetables,” said Derek Luu, Tran’s son.

From Los Angeles Times

The restaurant is famous for its taro ball desserts, grass jelly and shaved ice - treats not normally found on the menu in Yorkshire, but a popular treat for many in Taiwan and surrounding countries.

From BBC

I had hoped to add a dessert of Lunar New Year milk tea and taro doughnuts, but was simply too full.

From Los Angeles Times

On a recent November day, he laid several broad taro leaves out across his hand, which he cupped to form a bowl.

From Los Angeles Times