Potatoe vs. Potato: The Correct Spellings

The words "potatoe" and "potato" are often a source of confusion. "Potato" is the correct spelling of the word, referring to the tuberous crop from the perennial Solanum tuberosum. On the other hand, "potatoe" is a frequent misspelling that has no recognized meaning in the English language. The word "potato" has its roots from the Spanish term "patata," which was derived from the Taíno batata, denoting a sweet potato. Interestingly, it was the Spanish who introduced the potato to Europe in the second half of the 16th century.

Variations of the word "potato" include "potatoes" (the plural form) and "potato's" (indicative of possession). Remembering the spelling of "potato" can be achieved by associating it with other similar words like "tomato" – both singular forms end with an "o," and their plurals, "potatoes" and "tomatoes," have the "oes" ending.

Incorrect: Can you pass me a raw potatoe?

Correct: Can you pass me a raw potato?

Incorrect: Mash the potatoe with some butter and milk.

Correct: Mash the potato with some butter and milk.

Incorrect: He grew potatoe in his backyard.

Correct: He grew potato in his backyard.

Incorrect: I prefer sweet potatoe to regular ones.

Correct: I prefer sweet potato to regular ones.

Incorrect: She peeled a bag of potatoe for dinner.

Correct: She peeled a bag of potato for dinner.

A starchy tuberous crop from the perennial Solanum tuberosum.

A dependable or loyal person, often used humorously or affectionately.

Used in reference to a situation or activity that is comfortable or easy.

Referring to the low quality of a photograph or film.

A plant of the nightshade family that produces the potato tubers.

A perennial plant (Solanum tuberosum) in the nightshade family that was first cultivated in South America and is widely grown for its starchy edible tubers.

A tuber of this plant.

Any of various wild plants in the genus Solanum that are similar to the cultivated potato.

A sweet potato. See Note at tater.

The tuber of a plant, Solanum tuberosum, eaten as a starchy vegetable, particularly in the Americas and Europe; this plant.

A conspicuous hole in a sock or stocking.

Metaphor for a person or thing of little value.

A mentally handicapped person.

(humorous) A camera that takes poor-quality pictures.

An underpowered computer or other device, especially when small in size.

underpowered; low-end.

A plant (Solanum tuberosum) of the Nightshade family, and its esculent farinaceous tuber, of which there are numerous varieties used for food. It is native of South America, but a form of the species is found native as far north as New Mexico.

an edible tuber native to South America; a staple food of Ireland

annual native to South America having underground stolons bearing edible starchy tubers; widely cultivated as a garden vegetable; vines are poisonous

She diced the potato for the stew.

Baked potato is a simple yet delicious side dish.

Roasted potato with rosemary is my favorite.

She made a creamy potato soup for dinner.

He planted potato in his garden last spring.

The potato crop was abundant this year.

You can make potato salad with these.

He loves potato pancakes for breakfast.

Sweet potato fries are a healthier option.

He added some potato to the vegetable medley.

Potato chips are a popular snack.

Mashed potato goes well with gravy.

Grilled potato tastes great with a bit of salt.

Potato skins are loaded with nutrients.

The potato field stretches for acres.

Potato starch is used in many gluten-free recipes.

She won a prize for her potato dish at the fair.

Potato gnocchi is a type of Italian pasta.

She added chunks of potato to the curry.

Potato casserole is a comfort food for many.

Potato is a staple food in many countries.

Boiled potato is good in potato salad.

You can use potato as a thickener for soups.

A potato peeler makes preparing potatoes easier.

A person who spends a lot of time sitting or lying down, watching TV or playing video games.

Used in humorous contexts to refer to something of poor quality, especially photographs.

A controversial issue or situation that is difficult to handle.

A phrase indicating that two alternatives are the same or insignificant; also spelled "po-tay-to po-tah-to."

Referring to something that is of very low resolution or quality.

To abandon something or someone quickly.

Something that is very dull or uninteresting.

To be in a state of confusion or unaware of the surrounding situation.

To be kind, warm, and comforting.

To embarrass oneself or act foolishly.

Describing someone with a round, often expressionless face.

To start working on a task, removing the outer layers to get to the core issue.

To be in an awkward or ineffective position.

To become lazy or inactive.

A humorous test to determine if something is simple or basic.

To do something that will yield benefits in the long term.

The correct spelling is "potato."

"Potatoe" is a frequent misspelling and does not have a recognized meaning in English.

No, while they share a name, sweet potatoes and potatoes are botanically different, with sweet potatoes belonging to the morning glory family and potatoes to the nightshade family.

The confusion might arise from other words like "tomatoes" which take an "e" before the "s" in the plural form. However, the singular form "potato" does not have an "e."

Referring to someone as a "potato" in a humorous or affectionate context means they are dependable or loyal.

The plural form of "potato" is "potatoes."

The word "potato" comes from the Spanish term "patata," which was derived from the Taíno "batata," referring to a sweet potato.

Yes, referring to a film or photograph as "potato quality" implies it is of low quality.

The Spanish introduced the potato to Europe in the second half of the 16th century.

The possessive form of "potato" is "potato's," as in "the potato's skin is edible."