tahini

American  

[tuh-hee-nee, tah-] / təˈhi ni, tɑ- /

noun

Middle Eastern Cooking.

1. a paste made of ground sesame seeds.

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tahini British  

/ təˈhiːnɪ, təˈhiːnə /

noun

1. a paste made from sesame seeds originating in the Middle East, often used as an ingredient of hummus and other dips

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Etymology

Origin of tahini

First recorded in 1895–1900; Levantine Arabic ṭaḥīni (standard Arabic ṭaḥīna ), derivative of ṭaḥana “to crush, grind”; compare Hebrew tākhan “to crush, grind”

Example Sentences

You cannot go wrong with an old-school tahini dressing: tahini, maple syrup, garlic, lemon juice and enough water to thin it into something pourable and generous.

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2026

But is that really a better deal than a $13 bowl of fresh greens, whole-grain rice, grilled chicken, tahini and pickled cabbage?

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

The GHF has said these boxes also contain some ready-to-eat food, like halva bars - a popular snack made from blending tahini or sesame paste and sugar.

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2025

Also included is cooking oil, salt and tahini, or sesame paste.

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2025

I’m talking miso-spiked tahini blends from the Bon Appétit test kitchen.

From Salon • Jun. 1, 2025