A1 noun Neutral #1,194 most common

potato

/pəˈteɪ.toʊ/

A round or oval root vegetable with a thin brown, red, or yellow skin and white or yellow flesh inside. It is one of the most common staple foods and can be prepared by boiling, baking, or frying.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I am peeling a potato to make some soup for dinner.

I am peeling a potato to make some soup for dinner.

2

The potato remains a primary agricultural export for the region.

The potato remains a primary agricultural export for the region.

3

Pass me the bag of potato chips, please.

Pass me the bag of potato chips, please.

Word Family

Noun
potato
Adjective
potatoey
Related
spud
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Pot' because you usually cook a 'Potato' in a pot!

Quick Quiz

I would like a baked ___ with my steak.

Correct!

The correct answer is: potato

Examples

1

I am peeling a potato to make some soup for dinner.

everyday

I am peeling a potato to make some soup for dinner.

2

The potato remains a primary agricultural export for the region.

formal

The potato remains a primary agricultural export for the region.

3

Pass me the bag of potato chips, please.

informal

Pass me the bag of potato chips, please.

4

Nutritional analysis shows that the potato is a significant source of starch and vitamin C.

academic

Nutritional analysis shows that the potato is a significant source of starch and vitamin C.

5

Our restaurant supply chain handles over ten tons of potatoes per week.

business

Our restaurant supply chain handles over ten tons of potatoes per week.

Word Family

Noun
potato
Adjective
potatoey
Related
spud

Common Collocations

mashed potatoes potatoes that have been boiled and crushed
baked potato a whole potato cooked in an oven
potato salad a dish made of boiled potatoes and mayonnaise
sweet potato a similar but sweeter orange root vegetable
potato skins the outer layer of the potato often served as a snack

Common Phrases

couch potato

a person who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television

hot potato

a controversial or difficult situation that no one wants to deal with

small potatoes

something that is insignificant or not important

Often Confused With

potato vs tomato

A tomato is a red fruit often used as a vegetable, while a potato is a brown root vegetable.

📝

Usage Notes

The word is countable; use 'potato' for one and 'potatoes' for more than one. It can also be used as a noun adjunct, such as in 'potato soup'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget to add 'e' when making the word plural; the correct spelling is 'potatoes', not 'potatos'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Pot' because you usually cook a 'Potato' in a pot!

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Spanish 'patata', which comes from the Taino word 'batata'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: potatoes Can be used as a modifier (e.g., potato soup)
🌍

Cultural Context

The potato is a major staple food in many Western cultures, particularly in Ireland and Idaho in the United States.

Quick Quiz

I would like a baked ___ with my steak.

Correct!

The correct answer is: potato

More Food words

cookie

A1

A cookie is a small, flat, sweet baked food. It is usually made from flour, sugar, and oil or butter, and often includes ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins.

menu

A1

A menu is a list of food and drink options that you can choose from at a restaurant or café. It can also refer to a list of functions or commands displayed on a computer screen.

recipe

A1

A set of written instructions that tell you how to cook or prepare a specific type of food. It usually includes a list of ingredients and step-by-step directions to follow.

cook

A1

To prepare food by heating it so that it is ready to eat. It describes the general process of making a meal using heat sources like a stove or oven.

bake

A1

To cook food by dry heat without direct exposure to a flame, typically in an oven. This method is most commonly used for preparing bread, cakes, and cookies.

fry

A1

A thin strip of potato that has been deep-fried until crispy. It is commonly served as a side dish or snack and is often seasoned with salt.

drink

A1

To take liquid into your mouth and swallow it. It is a basic human action used for hydration, nutrition, or social enjoyment.

milk

A1

Milk is a white liquid produced by female mammals, such as cows and goats, used as food by humans. It is commonly consumed as a drink or used as an ingredient in various recipes like cereal, coffee, and cakes.

tea

A1

A popular drink made by soaking dried leaves in hot water. It can be served hot or cold and is often enjoyed with milk, sugar, or lemon.

egg

A1

An oval object laid by a female bird, especially a chicken, used as food. It consists of a hard outer shell, a clear white, and a yellow center called the yolk.

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