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.
Many high-calcium foods offer more calcium than milk per serving, including sardines, tofu, sesame seeds, soy milk, collard greens, certain cheeses, and fortified juices and cereals. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 1 Apr. 2025 Remove from the heat and sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025 Asian-Style Sweet Chili: Brings a balance of heat and sweetness with notes of soy sauce, sesame, garlic and ginger. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025 Homemade Hot Dog Buns This recipe can be made by hand, mixer or bread machine, and leans on optional ingredients like malt powder and sesame seeds to customize the hot dog bun of your nostalgia. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025 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
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Cite this Entry

“Sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sesame. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of sesame for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sesame

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