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

By using less mayo but adding touches of nice oils, like sesame and chili, the poke comes out with a silky, creamy texture and a lot more flavor. —Stella Fong, Outside, 10 Mar. 2026

Once fully cooked, it is finished off with more soy sauce, chili crisp, scallions, and sesame seeds. —Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026

Here are details on the most mouth-watering drizzles of Asian sesame dressing, and the sad pours that are sure to wreck even the most expertly made food. —Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026

First up, a comfort-food salad sprinkled with furikake, the Japanese sesame-seaweed mixture traditionally used as a rice seasoning. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 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