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

Experts say adding black sesame to salads, smoothies, and other meals can be an easy way to incorporate these nutrients into your diet. —Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2026

By 2028 the device should be able to detect the nine most common food allergens that account for 80% of allergic reactions, including peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy and sesame. —Shirl Leigh january 14, New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2026

Cayenne pepper and chili powder add heat to this combination of sesame and cheese snack sticks, corn nuts, and pumpkin seeds. —Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 14 Jan. 2026

Shoppers can look for bold flavors like gochujang, matcha, miso and sesame to appear in everything from sauces and sweet treats to ready-to-eat fusions. —Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Jan. 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