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

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.
However, hummus often contains tahini, which is made of sesame seeds, a common food allergen. Jillian Kubala, Health, 11 Apr. 2025 Scientists at what university have developed an experimental cardiac pacemaker that is as small as a sesame seed? CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025 The sesame miso grilled cheese pairs nutty sesame country bread with a rich miso butter and delicious Sargento® Natural American Sliced Cheese to create a delicious, flavorful sandwich. Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Note: If your family avoids sesame on Passover, omit the tahini. Yakir Levy, Oc Register, 2 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sesame. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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

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

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