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

Toss tofu sticks in a mix of cornstarch, spices, and sesame seeds. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 25 Sep. 2025

Some studies suggest that consuming sesame seeds may help lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. —Jennifer Moll, Verywell Health, 22 Sep. 2025

And the black sesame mochi donut is a solid choice. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025

Canola, sesame and other seed oils are getting a bad rap lately but a dietician separates the fact from fiction. —Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 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