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

The round, sesame-seeded bread is layered with Italian deli meats, cheeses and a tangy olive salad that ties everything together. —Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026

Ryujin’s ramens can be made with broth bases made of soy, miso, pork, sesame, vegetables or salt. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2026

Add the panko and toss again, then add the sesame seeds, garlic, jalapeño, ginger, and scallion whites, and gently toss to combine. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026

Toss tofu sticks in a mix of cornstarch, spices, and sesame seeds. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 1 Apr. 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