SKIP TO CONTENT

open sesame

/ˌoʊpən ˌsɛsəmi/
IPA guide

Other forms: open sesames

Definitions of open sesame
  1. noun
    a magical command; used by Ali Baba
    see moresee less
    type of:
    bid, bidding, command, dictation
    an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
  2. noun
    any very successful means of achieving a result
    see moresee less
    type of:
    agency, means, way
    how a result is obtained or an end is achieved
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘open sesame'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family