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 mix does include some peanuts, but there are also Cajun-style corn sticks, roasted corn, almonds, honey roasted sesame sticks, and my favorite component—butter toffee peanuts. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

Regulars to any of the sites will recognize the Philippe Chow classics from char siu spare ribs to grand walnut sesame prawns. —Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Oct. 2025

What To Know The Monster Menu items include a Jack-O-Lantern Whopper, a Halloween spin on Burger King’s signature burger, served on a bright orange bun tinted with natural spices and topped with black sesame seeds. —Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

Toss tofu sticks in a mix of cornstarch, spices, and sesame seeds. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 25 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