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
• beckoningly adverb
• unbeckoned adjective
• beckoning 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

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

From BBC

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.

From BBC

He rather gave away his wicket as a century beckoned, caught sweeping by Tristan Stubbs, but it did nothing to halt England's momentum, with Salt seizing his opportunity to steal the show.

From BBC

There are crime stories propelled by tragic anti-heroes, and then there’s “Task,” a story that beckons us to understand and sympathize with Robbie as a man floating between grace and the unerring gravity of reality.

From Salon

Sun-warmed papaya, halved and neatly wrapped in plastic, beckoned to be eaten.

From Salon

Related Words

• attract 
• entice 
• invite 
• tempt