Simple Definition of open sesame

from our Learner's Dictionary

open sesame

noun

: something that allows a person or thing to do or enter something successfully and easily
Perfect test scores are an open sesame to the best schools.

Note: Open sesame comes from the story Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, in which Ali Baba uses the magical command "open sesame" to open the door of the thieves' cave.

Cite this Entry

“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/open%20sesame. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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