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

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Come on in,” the woman says, beckoning us indoors with a nod.

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The old woman grunted and used one long, gnarled finger to beckon Penelope inside.

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“Bravo, one and all!” the headmistress exclaimed as she beckoned her visitors inside.

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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.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• attract 
• entice 
• invite 
• tempt