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

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

To elevate the tacos, top them with a vibrant shallot salsa made with fresh cilantro, peanuts, lime, and sesame seeds. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2025

Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and top with shredded carrots and sesame seeds. 12. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 3 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