woo

[ woo ]

verb (used with object)

1. to seek the favor, affection, or love of, especially with a view to marriage.

   Synonyms: chase, pursue, court

2. to seek to win:

   to woo fame.

   Synonyms: cultivate

3. to invite (consequences, whether good or bad) by one's own action; court:

   to woo one's own destruction.

4. to seek to persuade (a person, group, etc.), as to do something; solicit; importune.

   Synonyms: entreat, address, sue, petition

verb (used without object)

1. to seek the affection or love of someone, usually a woman; court:

   He was reminded of his youth when he went wooing.

2. to solicit favor or approval; entreat:

   Further attempts to woo proved useless.

woo

/ wuː /

verb

1. to seek the affection, favour, or love of (a woman) with a view to marriage
2. tr to seek after zealously or hopefully

   to woo fame

3. tr to bring upon oneself (good or evil results) by one's own action
4. tr to beg or importune (someone)

Derived Forms

• ˈwooer, noun
• ˈwooing, noun

Other Words From

• wooer noun
• wooing·ly adverb
• un·wooed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of woo¹

First recorded before 1050; Middle English wowe, Old English wōgian; ultimate origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of woo¹

Old English wōgian, of obscure origin

Idioms and Phrases

see pitch woo .

Example Sentences

There will be a long line of teams trying to woo Sasaki.

From Los Angeles Times

The Uplifters is one of a handful of brands created and designed in Staci Woo and Mike Badt’s downtown L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Clockshop, a nonprofit that works with artists to deepen the connection between communities and public land, has partnered with Los Angeles-based artist Rosten Woo for “What Water Wants,” a temporary art commission on the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

In a 30-minute experience, Woo’s audio tour moves between a guided meditation and speculative disaster horror, evoking multiple perspectives of the river’s history and future.

From Los Angeles Times

Look out for group activations in December; until then you can download Woo’s sound experience on the Clockshop website and participate on your own.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cultivate
• pursue
• solicit