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 salsa macha is an oily, toasty condiment pasty with peanuts and sesame seeds. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Bagel lovers can pick from classic varieties like sesame, cinnamon raisin, blueberry and poppy seed. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026

The creation is served on a steamed Big Marty’s sesame seed bun. — Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 1 July 2026

Highlights from the open kitchen include yellowtail crudo with kimchi foam, mugwort noodles in creamy black sesame sauce and an elegant take on Juicy Fruit gum for dessert. — Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 30 June 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