adjective
Other Word Forms
- charmingly adverb
- charmingness noun
- uncharming adjective
Etymology
Origin of charming
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; charm 1 + -ing 2
Explanation
Something charming is usually pleasing or delightful. More rarely, it can be something supernatural. Charms are magical objects and something charming puts you under its spell. In most cases, we mean that only figuratively — if you spent a charming evening with friends, it means their company was so wonderful it was almost enchanting. Charming people have a special, almost magical way of making others like them. But if you're talking about a charming witch, you better watch out for her sorcery and magic tricks.
Vocabulary lists containing charming
Positive Words to Describe a Person
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Real Nice!
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Positive Words to Describe People, List 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He was exacting, charming and merciless in equal measure.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
“This charming beachside cottage is located on the highly sought-after north end of Clearwater Beach, offering the ultimate Florida lifestyle with direct, private beach access just steps from you back door,” the listing notes.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026
James was whip-smart, meticulous in manner and dress, effortlessly charming.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026
Lookout Hill: Yarn and Art Supplies – I passed this shop a few times and couldn’t get over how charming it looked.
From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026
“Wait and see if it doesn’t bring you something worth having,” replied the boy, laughing at the thought of a charming little secret which he fancied he knew.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
