sesame

noun

ses·​a·​me ˈse-sə-mē How to pronounce sesame (audio)
also
ˈse-zə- How to pronounce sesame (audio)
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

Illustration of sesame

Illustration of sesame
  • sesame 1

Examples of sesame in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Summer, nature’s wedding and harvest time for lentils, sesame, and corn. Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025 Warren segued into a high-level definition of microplastics, likening the tiny particles to the size of a sesame seed. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 16 Oct. 2025 The bucket is part of a Monster Menu that includes a Jack-O-Lantern Whopper on an orange bun with black sesame seeds; Vampire Nuggets (chicken nuggets shaped like fangs and bats); and a purple and white Franken-Candy Sundae topped with Oreo crumbles, according to a news release. Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 15 Oct. 2025 The ticks are small when unfed, the size of a sesame seed or smaller, per the USDA, and are a light reddish-tan to a dark reddish color with dark brown markings. Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sesame

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sesame was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sesame. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

sesame

noun
ses·​a·​me ˈses-ə-mē How to pronounce sesame (audio)
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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sesame

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!