beckon

American  

[bek-uhn] / ˈbɛk ən /

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

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noun

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

beckon British  

/ ˈbɛkən /

verb

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

2. to entice or lure

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noun

1. a summoning gesture

Other Word Forms

• beckoner noun
• beckoning adjective
• beckoningly adverb
• unbeckoned adjective

Etymology

Origin of beckon

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

Example Sentences

Yet there are some invented dramatic devices, including a young girl who beckons Patrick on his conversion quest.

From The Wall Street Journal

While herb-flecked tomatoes and cucumbers are a classic combination, Rafidi often swaps in roasted squash, pumpkin or whatever else beckons at the market once fall’s chill sets in.

From The Wall Street Journal

Having juggled the early stages of her rugby career with her studies, a life in engineering now beckons for Dow.

From BBC

With her arms stretched out, she beckons the participants of her movement workshop, Wiggle Room, to join her on the other side, where they will meet a renewed version of themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

Bars beckon along our path of modern-day “riau-riau music, the pipes shrill and the drums pounding,” and we dance our way in and out of a few joints, looking for the right madness.

From Salon

Related Words

• attract
• entice
• invite
• tempt