tahini

noun

ta·​hi·​ni tə-ˈhē-nē How to pronounce tahini (audio)
tä-
: a smooth paste of sesame seeds

Examples of tahini 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.
The cabbage wedge sits over a fluffy whip of tahini and labneh, all served beneath a crush of peanuts. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 That includes being commonly sprinkled on rice and noodle dishes, and tahini – a creamy sesame seed paste – serves as the foundation for foods like hummus, baba ghanoush, salad dressings, sauces and many desserts. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 Our version also adds tahini for nutty flavor and an extra-silky texture. — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026 In a large bowl, whisk together the tahini, sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, garlic powder, ginger, and a pinch of salt. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tahini

Word History

Etymology

Arabic dialect ṭaḥīna, from ṭaḥana to grind

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tahini was in 1950

Rhymes for tahini

See All Rhymes for tahini

Browse Nearby Words

taharah
tahini
Tahiti
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on tahini

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tahini

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