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

Kraft’s take on everything bagel seasoning has garlic and onion powder plus poppy seeds but doesn’t contain sesame seeds commonly found in other iterations. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024

The oil is beautifully fragranced with jasmine, mandarin, and imperious amber and is also highly nourishing due to its formulation—containing sesame, apricot, and coconut oils. —Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024

Allergens can cause serious and sometimes deadly reactions, and the nine major allergens—peanuts, wheat, milk, tree nuts, soy, egg, crustaceans (shellfish), fish and sesame—are all required by law to be clearly marked on all products. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Use sesame, focaccia or white bread in place of the sourdough. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2024

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