sesame

noun

ses·​a·​me ˈse-sə-mē How to pronounce sesame (audio)
also
ˈse-zə- How to pronounce sesame (audio)
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

Illustration of sesame
  • sesame 1

Examples of sesame in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Directions In a medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, a generous pinch of salt, and a couple cracks of pepper. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 The opening menu is set to feature various inventive dishes, such as Spicy Tuna Dip (made with sesame and avocado served with nori tapioca chips) and Heritage Half Chicken (served with sansho pepper, pickled daikon and a shiso return). — Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Pair the Swiss roll with one of Babychan’s specialty drinks, like the miso caramel latte or banana hojicha, or go all in with the black sesame latte. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 The inaugural effort was vanilla ice cream swirled with pistachio cream and bits of Meyer lemon shortbread, but the current iteration infuses hochija tea into the ice cream base with a crunchy black sesame swirl. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sesame

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sesame was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing sesame

Browse Nearby Words

-ses
sesame
sesame grass
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sesame. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sesame

noun
ses·​a·​me ˈses-ə-mē How to pronounce sesame (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on sesame

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sesame

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