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

The peanut street noodles sautéed with red cabbage, snap peas, carrots, cilantro, chilies, and sesame seeds land lighter but still manage to feel substantial. — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

In addition to the chicken and waffles ($23), popular dishes include the honey sesame Brussels sprouts ($15) and croissant French toast ($19), served drizzled with vanilla cream sauce and pomegranate molasses. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

Our city’s hot dog, according to the council, includes sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese on a sesame seed bun. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Franchise chain restaurant or not, Proper Pizza and its thin, sesame-seed crust made some real fans in Meridian. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 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