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

Sweet Stacks also serves coffee lattes with flavors like banana cream, peanut butter and black sesame. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2026

According to an Instagram post by the popular bagel shop, a hot sea salt sesame bagel is getting adorned by oyster mushrooms, pumpkin bushi, black pepper, a savory rose fudge, nasturtium and bergamot. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026

The base blends sesame and rice bran oils for a cushiony, fast-absorbing texture that immediately comforts dry skin. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2026

Beef patty with bacon, an egg patty, cheddar cheese sauce, hash browns and a hollandaise aioli between a sesame seed bun. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 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