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

Buoyant bánh tiêu sesame doughnuts are paired with ribbons of prosciutto and peppy giardiniera for a Southeast Asian take on gnocco fritto. —The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025

Gina Marie Bakery, based in Waterbury, announced the voluntary recall on September 10 over the potential undeclared presence of almonds, sesame and several food colorings—namely Red 40, Red 3, Blue 1, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. —Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

Some compared the taste to black sesame cookies; others to hoisin sauce or even duck. —Alex Mayyasi, Saveur, 10 Sep. 2025

Sprinkle with the sesame seeds, furikake or scallions, if using. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 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