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

Along with the chicken patties, McDonald's Chicken Big Mac has the same ingredients minus onions — special sauce, lettuce, cheese and pickles on a sesame seed bun — of the chain's classic Big Mac. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 10 Oct. 2024

Top it off with a handful of sesame seeds and dig in. 3. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 8 Oct. 2024

Plus, the sandwich has Big Mac sauce, cheese, lettuce and pickles sandwiched between a sesame seed bun. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 3 Oct. 2024

For dessert, check out the dairy-free coconut puddings (peach, cold brew, matcha, black sesame or original). —Brock Keeling, Orange County Register, 1 Oct. 2024

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