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

Other Word Forms

• beckoner noun
• beckoning adjective
• beckoningly adverb
• unbeckoned 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

Shops have stayed open even on holidays, and at dusk, dozens of cars line up the streets as a string of flashy signboards beckon shoppers into the flower-adorned stores.

Read more on BBC

This is simply ridiculous, how well the Dodgers are playing, how close the history books are beckoning, and how an ordinary summer has been followed with unbelievable days of the extraordinary.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When good trouble beckons, why pick the bad kind?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For Jones, a new series of Vigil beckons, with filming in Scotland and Norway.

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Boulter has an excellent record when representing Great Britain and, after taking the opening set against Pegula, an 18th win in 24 matches for her country beckoned.

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Related Words

• attract 
• entice 
• invite 
• tempt