sesame

[ses-uh-mee]

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.

sesame

/ 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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of sesame¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sesame¹

C15: from Latin sēsamum, from Greek sēsamon, sēsamē, of Semitic origin; related to Arabic simsim

Example Sentences

Everything bagel seasoning on top makes the whole thing slightly addictive: a crunch of sesame, poppy and salt that hits first, then the creamy tang of goat cheese and the sweet-savory onion jam.

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We started with a refreshing cucumber salad dressed in chili and sesame oil, then moved on to Kurobuta pork soup dumplings, shrimp and Kurobuta pork spicy wontons and more — each bite expertly balanced and juicy.

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

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

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The classic toasted sesame roll, drizzled with olive oil, and stuffed to the brim with meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion — delicious.

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