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)

Other Word Forms

• wooer noun
• wooing noun
• wooingly adverb
• unwooed 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

But in a city anxious to woo business, heritage is often dismissed as an expensive luxury and a low priority.

From BBC

The remaining candidates will have an opportunity to woo Labour members at hustings during the party's conference in Liverpool at the end of September.

From BBC

Meanwhile, other candidates are seeking to woo their fellow MPs, with a virtual hustings taking place at 20:00.

From BBC

The Chancellor has worked hard since Labour won power to woo the City.

From BBC

Still, despite the hasty ending, this splashy comedy deserves to woo grown-ups back to the multiplex.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cultivate 
• pursue 
• solicit