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

Bratton says when he’s coming downstairs in the morning to have breakfast, meditate or do yoga, sometimes the piano or guitar will beckon.

From Los Angeles Times

Is California a sun-kissed incubator of innovation and opportunity that continues to beckon doers and dreamers from the world over, as it has for well over 150 years?

From Los Angeles Times

Moss may beckon viewers to “The Acolyte,” but beyond her role, the show places the most weight on Stenberg, who evokes a natural duality in her sisters that sidesteps the usual pitfalls of such performances.

From Salon

Six nearby hikes may beckon you further, including the short Big Meadow loop trails bursting with wildflowers or a 700-foot gain along the recently repaved Hurricane Hill.

From Seattle Times

Some outdoor sculptural elements can beckon loudly from a distance — when a formal pot is shown off in a formally designed garden, for example, perhaps set upon a plinth.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• attract
• entice
• invite
• tempt