sesame

American  

[ses-uh-mee] / ˈsɛs ə mi /

noun

1. a tropical, herbaceous plant, Sesamum indicum, whose small oval seeds are edible and yield an oil.

2. the seeds themselves, used to add flavor to bread, crackers, etc.

3. open sesame.

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sesame British  

/ ˈsɛsəmɪ /

noun

1. a tropical herbaceous plant, Sesamum indicum, of the East Indies, cultivated, esp in India, for its small oval seeds: family Pedaliaceae

2. the seeds of this plant, used in flavouring bread and yielding an edible oil ( benne oil or gingili )

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Etymology

Origin of sesame

1400–50; < Greek sēsámē sesame plant ≪ Akkadian shamashshammū, derived from shaman shammī plant oil; replacing sesam, late Middle English sysane < Latin sēsamum < Greek sḗsamon sesame seed

Example Sentences

The mango passion fruit vanilla caramel plays so well with black sesame praline that you’ll wish you got a few, because one certainly isn’t enough.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2025

Meyer likes a brioche bun, preferably with sesame seeds: “It’s important that it’s sturdy, but soft enough so teeth glide through.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

Dessert was the sesame mochi xiao long bao, a delectable finish that didn’t disappoint.

From Salon • Oct. 31, 2025

It now includes a strawberry matcha latte, black sesame matcha, and coconut matcha cloud.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2025

He was the one who liked sesame candy, but never ate it because he was bedridden.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri