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

Vinegar is said to stimulate appetites and with only a few ingredients (Japanese cucumbers, sugar, salt, soy sauce and rice vinegar, plus sesame seeds to sprinkle on top), this is quick and easy to make, and cucumber is relatively inexpensive and easy to find. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 19 June 2025

Of course, there’s classic everything seasoning and sesame seeds. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2025

Sesame-Coconut Shortbreads These delicious shortbread-like cookies feature tahini, sesame seeds and a touch of coconut. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025

The agency says the major food allergens are milk, eggs, sesame, fish, tree nuts, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat and soybeans. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 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