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

Also, if the sesame balls with red bean paste pastries are available, then definitely try them for a post-noodle sweet treat. —Shindy Chen, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025

Check the Honey Balsamic Salad Kit in your fridge before opening it—especially if someone in your household has a soy or sesame allergy. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025

The others are eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, milk, peanuts, wheat, sesame and soybeans. —Toby Meyjes, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025

That ice cream is sandwiched between two brown butter cookies pressed with sesame and hemp seeds, local bee pollen and Maldon salt. —Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 29 Aug. 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