benne

or ben·ny

[ ben-ee ]

noun

1. Southern U.S., especially South Carolina, and Bahamian English. the sesame plant or its seeds.

benne

/ ˈbɛnɪ /

noun

1. another name for sesame
2. benne oil
   the edible oil obtained from sesame seeds

Word History and Origins

Origin of benne¹

1760–70, Americanism; < Wolof, Malinke bene

Word History and Origins

Origin of benne¹

C18: from Malay bene ; compare Bambara bene

Example Sentences

Benne, &c.; etymologists trace the word to a root meaning “to plait.”

From Project Gutenberg