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

Liliana For those looking for drinks alongside a sophisticated dining experience, trendy Italian spot Liliana, helmed by chef Marvin Palomo, draws diners with its Puglia stracciatella, stuffed chicken wings and black sesame millefoglie (a layered puff pastry cake). —Gizelle Lau, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

The garden’s heirloom tomatoes star in a returning signature dish each summer, featuring coconut fennel pollen custard, plum consomme, leek oil and sesame tuile. —Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 27 May 2026

Layer rotisserie chicken with crisp veggies, mayo, and zippy sesame dressing on a soft roll for this easy version of the popular Vietnamese sandwich. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 24 May 2026

The creation is served on a steamed Big Marty’s sesame seed bun, a choice the founders declare is the best burger bun in the world. —Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 20 May 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