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

Lines formed at the location as a steady stream of customers ordered from a choice of green chile, apple cinnamon, cheesy hashbrown, sesame seed and other bagel flavors. —Jenna Thompson april 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026

My pick was the Tan Tan Men ramen, with chicken soy broth, sesame essence, ground pork, baby Bok choy, shredded leeks and chili oil. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026

Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026

The other option was a crémeuxso, a Mexican spin on a French custard with mole, pepitas, coffee and benne (sesame seeds). —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 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