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

This crunchy-creamy toast is seasoned with salt, pepper, tahini, lime zest and sesame seeds. —Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025

The salsa is made with five different chiles and other rich ingredients like sesame seeds and garlic. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Spices: Sprinkle cinnamon, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, or ground cardamom on oatmeal, yogurt, or baked goods. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 26 June 2025

The others are eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame and soybeans. —Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 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