Illustration of sesame
- sesame 1
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
Examples of sesame in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The sesame semolina loaf and morning rolls are two of my go-tos—think a less sweet, more croissant-like pastry.
—
Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Other drinks mix in Asian flavors like black sesame, Jeju Island green tangerine and rose-cream taro.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
Arrange skin side down, if there is skin, then press sesame seeds into the top and sides of the fish.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Although specific customs vary regionally across the Chinese-speaking world, the most prevalent activities involve lighting lanterns, guessing riddles, eating tangyuan (glutinous rice balls with fillings like sweet red beans or black sesame paste), and watching traditional lion dance performances.
—Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sesame
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Other drinks mix in Asian flavors like black sesame, Jeju Island green tangerine and rose-cream taro.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
Arrange skin side down, if there is skin, then press sesame seeds into the top and sides of the fish.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Although specific customs vary regionally across the Chinese-speaking world, the most prevalent activities involve lighting lanterns, guessing riddles, eating tangyuan (glutinous rice balls with fillings like sweet red beans or black sesame paste), and watching traditional lion dance performances.
—Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sesame
Cite this Entry
“Sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sesame. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sesame
noun
ses·a·me
ˈses-ə-mē 
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share