sesame oil

American  

noun

1. a yellow oil expressed from the seeds of the sesame, used in cooking, as a vehicle for medicines, and in the manufacture of margarine, soap, and cosmetics.

---

Etymology

Origin of sesame oil

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Quick pickled cucumbers, dressed with rice vinegar, sugar and sesame oil, bring texture and acidity while a classic Mexican mix of minced onion and cilantro finishes things off.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

The one that appears to have gripped users in Iceland uses sesame oil and rice vinegar, but sometimes Logan mixes in cream cheese, avocado, and even smoked salmon.

From BBC • Aug. 23, 2024

Light sesame oil is typically used as a neutral cooking oil, while the toasted type is used to flavour sauces.

From Salon • May 21, 2024

Toasted sesame oil, like vanilla extract, lends fragrance without bulk, and in this recipe, it also helps prevent them from sticking to the pan.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 22, 2024

She brought out her old wooden board and cleaver, then chopped the ginger and scallions, and poured soy sauce and sesame oil into a shallow dish.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan