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

In 2023, the FDA added sesame as the ninth major food allergen in the United States, Fox News Digital previously reported. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025

The product recall was initiated due to sesame being present in the product but it not being listed on the label. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

The sesame semolina loaf and morning rolls are two of my go-tos—think a less sweet, more croissant-like pastry. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2025

Traditional foods include tang yuan, sweet rice balls with a black sesame filling. —Amanda Cappelli, CBS News, 21 Dec. 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