beckon

[ bek-uhn ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to signal, summon, or direct by a gesture of the head or hand.

   Synonyms: nod, bid, gesture, wave, motion

2. to lure; entice.

   Synonyms: beguile, allure, tantalize, tempt, coax, draw, attract, invite

noun

1. a nod, gesture, etc., that signals, directs, summons, indicates agreement, or the like.

beckon

/ ˈbɛkən /

verb

1. to summon with a gesture of the hand or head
2. to entice or lure

noun

1. a summoning gesture

Derived Forms

• ˈbeckoner, noun
• ˈbeckoning, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• beckon·er noun
• beckon·ing·ly adverb
• un·beckoned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of beckon¹

before 950; Middle English beknen, Old English gebē ( a ) cnian, derivative of bēacen beacon

Word History and Origins

Origin of beckon¹

Old English bīecnan , from bēacen sign; related to Old Saxon bōknian ; see beacon

Example Sentences

Research from Beckon shows that 5 percent of branded content generates 90 percent of audience engagement — and the other 95 percent shares the remaining 10 percent of engagement.

From Digiday

At the bar, a trio of sharply dressed Chinese twentysomethings beckon for one more round of rosé.

From The Daily Beast

The firemen confer with the organizers and then beckon them toward the front of the bus.

From The Daily Beast

When anarchy seems to beckon, Libya pulls back from the brink.

From The Daily Beast

Corked glass bottles of spices, infused oils and vinegars beckon from antique cupboards like jewels.

From The Daily Beast

But the longest red-letter day has its ending, and time and tide beckon one with the brutality of an impatient jailer.

From Project Gutenberg

You have only to mount your horse, beckon to your negro, and follow the path you will find at the back of the house.

From Project Gutenberg

Like a football player picking a hole in the line, I had seen the bedroom door open and a friendly hand beckon.

From Project Gutenberg

They saw the professor dance wildly around and beckon to them.

From Project Gutenberg

He parted the hanging blankets and went in, emerging after a little while to beckon me.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• attract
• entice
• invite
• tempt