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

Rich and compact with layered mid palate flavors that include biltong, sesame, mushrooms and soy. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Some of that improvement may be attributed to greater awareness among food producers that sesame is an allergen that requires disclosure, PIRG researchers said. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025

Pair with a meat loaf doused in soy sauce, or with Asian noodles and green peppers, ginger and sesame seeds. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Food recalls issued in February include some tahini sesame paste, alfalfa sprouts, canned tuna, bamboo shoots, beef tallow and other products. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 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