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

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

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