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

But the city’s vibrant offerings still beckon — and many of them can be experienced for less than an Erewhon Malibu Mango Smoothie.

From Los Angeles Times

More than once, I’d opened the storm cellar to the beckon of neon and the scent of buffalo stew.

From Literature

The doors swish open and warm air spills out, beckoning me.

From Literature

Indeed, it beckoned him to lay his head down early tonight.

From Literature

Now, 32 years on, another turning point beckons.

From BBC

Related Words

• attract
• entice
• invite
• tempt