sesame: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, though technical in botanical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “sesame” mean?
A small, flat, oval seed with a nutty flavor, used especially in cooking and oil production, from a tropical plant (Sesamum indicum).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, flat, oval seed with a nutty flavor, used especially in cooking and oil production, from a tropical plant (Sesamum indicum).
The seed-bearing plant itself; figuratively, a means of access or entry, particularly in the phrase 'open sesame', from the tale of Ali Baba.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The plant species is non-native to both regions.
Connotations
Identical; both strongly associate the word with the tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves ('open sesame').
Frequency
Equally uncommon in daily speech outside culinary, health food, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sesame” in a Sentence
sesame + NOUN (seed, oil)ADJ + sesame (toasted, black, white, hulled)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sesame” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The bagel had a lovely sesame crust.
American English
- She ordered a sesame chicken salad.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in agribusiness, import/export, or food manufacturing (e.g., 'global sesame seed trade').
Academic
Used in botany, agriculture, nutrition, and literary studies (analysis of folk tales).
Everyday
Almost exclusively in cooking, baking, and health food discussions (e.g., 'add sesame seeds to the salad').
Technical
In botany: Sesamum indicum. In food science: refers to oil content, allergens (sesame allergy).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sesame”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sesame”
- Misspelling as 'sesamae' or 'sesami'. Using the idiom 'open sesame' in inappropriate literal contexts (e.g., for a physical key).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a seed, though it is a common allergen like nuts.
It originates from the Middle Eastern folk tale 'Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves', compiled in 'One Thousand and One Nights'.
No, 'sesame' is solely a noun. The related verb would be 'to sprinkle with sesame' or 'to season with sesame oil'.
Black sesame seeds are unhulled and have a stronger, slightly more bitter flavor. White sesame seeds are hulled and have a milder, nuttier taste.
A small, flat, oval seed with a nutty flavor, used especially in cooking and oil production, from a tropical plant (Sesamum indicum).
Sesame is usually neutral, though technical in botanical contexts. in register.
Sesame: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛsəmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛsəmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “open sesame (a magical solution for gaining entry or access)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SESAME Street' – a magical place for children, just like the 'open sesame' phrase opens a magical cave.
Conceptual Metaphor
A KEY (to access something), via the idiom 'open sesame'.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'sesame' primarily?