sesame

noun

ses·​a·​me ˈse-sə-mē 

also

ˈse-zə- 

1

: a widely cultivated chiefly tropical or subtropical annual erect herb (Sesamum indicum of the family Pedaliaceae)

also : its small seeds used especially as a source of oil and a flavoring agent

2

: open sesame

Illustration of sesame

• sesame 1

Examples of sesame in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The crispy, tangy coating wrapped around tender chicken meat, topped with sesame seeds and chives, will inspire even those who don’t like eating skin to clean the bone. —Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2025

Divide rice among shallow bowls and spoon tofu mixture over; top with more sesame seeds and some pieces of dark green stalks of a green onion. —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 10 Feb. 2025

Tahini Recall Tahini is a paste of sesame seeds and is often used in dips such as hummus and baba ghanoush. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025

Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and sesame seeds have minerals like iron, copper, and manganese.1819 8. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier sesam, sesama, from Latin sesamum, sesama, from Greek sēsamon, sēsamē, of Semitic origin; akin to Akkadian šamaššamu sesame

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sesame

• open sesame
• sesame oil

Kids Definition

sesame

noun

ses·​a·​me ˈses-ə-mē 

1

: a hairy herb of warm regions that is grown for its seeds

also : its small somewhat flat seeds that are used as a source of oil and to flavor food

2

: open sesame

Medical Definition

sesame

noun

ses·​a·​me

ˈses-ə-mē also ˈsez-

: a widely cultivated annual erect herb (Sesamum indicum synonym S. orientale of the family Pedaliaceae)

also : its small somewhat flat seeds used as a source of sesame oil and a flavoring agent