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

Chickpeas, sesame seeds, and dark green vegetables, such as kale, arugula, and broccoli, are good sources of calcium. —Jianying Zhang, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024

There are nine major allergens: milk, soybeans, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and sesame. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024

The most common food allergies are peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, wheat, spelt, rye, barley, soy, red meat, and sesame. —Daniel More, Health, 24 Oct. 2024

The Playoff Prime: Section 116 A premium offering, this is a USDA prime filet served with arugula, garlic butter, balsamic onions and smoked gouda on a sesame seed roll. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 8 Oct. 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