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.
For most healthy adults, eating sesame seeds every day is perfectly reasonable, provided portions remain moderate. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 Nutty ground sesame paste, ginger, and a whole bunch of alliums make a heady umami difficult to resist. — Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026 Hui Lau Shan also serves non-mango desserts, including a black sesame porridge, durian pancakes, taro sago chewy balls and an aloe jelly watermelon juice. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Save time on cooking prep by picking up this cut of Angus beef that’s marinating in a sesame-teriyaki sauce, which includes soy sauce, honey, and sesame seeds. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 6 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 13 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of sesame for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sesame

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