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.
Pair with a meat loaf doused in soy sauce, or with Asian noodles and green peppers, ginger and sesame seeds. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 Food recalls issued in February include some tahini sesame paste, alfalfa sprouts, canned tuna, bamboo shoots, beef tallow and other products. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025 This involves swishing coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil (about a tablespoon for adults) for 15-20 minutes and then spitting everything out.4 Many people claim oil pulling fights off gum disease and tartar, but the evidence for this method is mixed. Mark Gurarie, Health, 16 Feb. 2025 People who are allergic or sensitive to milk, soy, wheat, sesame, FD&C #6, or almonds are advised to throw the products away or return them for a refund. Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 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 12 Mar. 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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