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 Inside is a sandy, sweet mixture of shredded coconut, palm sugar and sesame seeds. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 Toss everything in a bowl with some scallions, sesame seeds, and a raw egg yolk for extra gooeyness and protein, inspired by this legend. Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 19 Mar. 2024 The latest object of my gustatory affection: a savory scone studded with country ham, pungent cheese and scallions, and topped with sesame seeds and flaky sea salt. Get the Eat Voraciously newsletter for delicious dinner inspiration, delivered straight to your inbox. Olga Massov, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 Add the sesame seeds and toss to distribute evenly. Emily Weinstein, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 In a small sauté pan over medium-low heat, add the sesame seeds and swirl or toss occasionally until toasted and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Adrienne Cheatham, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 The simplest, the Crispy Fish Sandwich, includes shredded lettuce and tartar sauce and is served on a sesame seed bun, while the Fish 'N Cheddar adds Cheddar Sauce. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024 Signature cocktails like the Hooligan (tequila, Cointreau, agave nectar, lime, and jalapeño with a Tajín rim) and the Mars Mocha (chocolate rum, Cognac, espresso, banana, and toasted sesame froth) embody the slick, suave vibe that Mars has become known for. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2024 The sandwiches’ sesame was not declared on the product label. David Staats, Idaho Statesman, 17 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sesame.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near sesame

Cite this Entry

“Sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sesame. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sesame

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