sesame

noun

ses·​a·​me ˈse-sə-mē How to pronounce sesame (audio)
also
ˈse-zə- How to pronounce sesame (audio)
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

Illustration of sesame

Illustration of sesame
  • sesame 1

Examples of sesame in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Nuts and seeds Peanuts, cashews, pistachios, and sesame seeds are among the top nut/seed sources. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024 That’s about the size of a grain of sand, a grain of salt, a sesame seed. Johnny Dodd, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024 Diners in Atlanta can soon make plans to feast on enormous beef ribs served with nuoc cham, while in New York, sesame milk bread slathered with pimento cheese will be in the spotlight at a promising chef’s first solo restaurant. Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 28 Mar. 2024 Sunflower seeds, almonds, and sesame seeds are all great breadcrumb alternatives. Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2024 Beyond nuts, seeds are one of those extra foods that more and more nutritionists have started recommending for their nutritional properties, such as flax, pumpkin, hemp, buckwheat, and sesame. María Quiles, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2024 The sesame seeds and flaky salt on top add a burst of salinity and crunch. Olga Massov, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 Once cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer the collars and that luscious sauce to a plate, then top with chives, lime juice and sesame seeds. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024 Inside is a sandy, sweet mixture of shredded coconut, palm sugar and sesame seeds. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sesame.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sesame was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sesame

Cite this Entry

“Sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sesame. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

sesame

noun
ses·​a·​me ˈses-ə-mē How to pronounce sesame (audio)
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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sesame

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