tahini

noun

ta·​hi·​ni tə-ˈhē-nē How to pronounce tahini (audio)
tä-
: a smooth paste of sesame seeds

Examples of tahini 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.
The three-course experience begins with starter options like za’atar focaccia with chile-olive tapenade, piquillo tahini fip with crudité and pita, and smoked salmon carpaccio with caper relish and everything-bagel gremolata. Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026 The tahini, the fresh mint leaves, the granular, yielding texture. Literary Hub, 17 Mar. 2026 Opened in 2025, the modern Persian cafe serves barbari bread and lavash wrap sandwiches, tahini-date shakes and chai lattes, plus a full slate of events aimed at uplifting the local Persian community. Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026 The menu in San Bruno will be the same as before, including wraps stuffed with meats, tzatziki, pickles and fries ($16); kebab plates with basmati rice, pita and toum sauce ($26); fattoush salad ($14); and the whole cauliflower drizzled with lemon tahini ($14). Tara Duggan, San Francisco Chronicle, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tahini

Word History

Etymology

Arabic dialect ṭaḥīna, from ṭaḥana to grind

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tahini was in 1950

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tahini.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tahini. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on tahini

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!

More from Merriam-Webster