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

Flax, chia, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, and hemp seeds are rich in fiber, magnesium, healthy fats, and antioxidants that support heart health. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 25 June 2026

Cayenne pepper and chili powder add heat to this combination of sesame and cheese snack sticks, corn nuts, and pumpkin seeds. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 23 June 2026

Food searches show rising interest in fiber-rich recipes and black sesame desserts, as well as curiosity about new products like Spam dogs. — Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026

How about the nikkei ceviche with tuna, tamarind leche de tigre and cucumber, scallions, avocado, daikon, sesame seeds? — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 18 June 2026

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