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British

charming

[ chahr-ming ]

/ ˈtʃɑr mɪŋ /

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See synonyms for: charming / charmingly / charmingness on Thesaurus.com

adjective

pleasing; delightful: a charming child.

using charm; exercising magic power.

OTHER WORDS FOR charming

1 lovely, winning, winsome, engaging.

See synonyms for charming on Thesaurus.com

VIDEO FOR CHARMING

When To Use "Charismatic" Vs. "Charming"

We often describe a charismatic person as "charming." But, we would never describe a charming house, outfit, or book, no matter how attractive they are, as "charismatic." Let’s break the spell of these two similarly compelling words.

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QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of charming

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at charm¹, -ing²

OTHER WORDS FROM charming

charm·ing·ly, adverbcharm·ing·ness, nounun·charm·ing, adjective

Words nearby charming

charmed quark, charmer, charmeuse, Charmian, Charminar, charming, charm offensive, charmonium, charm quark, charm school, charm the pants off

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use charming in a sentence

Around the country, they built charming outdoor tents, created picnic-friendly takeout menus, and sold frozen cocktail popsicles to coax customers out of their homes to enjoy something resembling an old world of hospitality.
A Looming Menace for Restaurants: Winter Is Coming|Brenna Houck|October 15, 2020|Eater
Then there’s the decades-old and foolhardy 17th Street liquor moratorium, that seemingly did very little but stymie growth in development along what is now one of the city’s most charming streets.
The boldness of Randy Downs|Brock Thompson|October 15, 2020|Washington Blade
It’s never all that charming to begin with, and rarely is it less charming than when Richard forcefully rear-ends Emily’s car after he sees her talking to another man.
Every episode of Gilmore Girls, ranked|Constance Grady|October 6, 2020|Vox
Rory is their new Lorelai — a high-achieving, biddable, anxious-to-please Lorelai — and wealthy, charming Logan is their new Christopher.
Every episode of Gilmore Girls, ranked|Constance Grady|October 6, 2020|Vox

The neighborhood is known for charming brick houses that were built by 19th-century immigrants.
Columbus: A Rich History of LGBTQ Diversity|LGBTQ-Editor|August 30, 2020|No Straight News
Legs McNeil, of Punk magazine fame, once called him “cute” and “charming.”
‘All Good Cretins Go to Heaven’: Dee Dee Ramone’s Twisted Punk Paintings|Melissa Leon|December 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To most people, this was funny and humanizing—maybe even charming!
GOP Flack Throws Shade at First Teens|Olivia Nuzzi|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Alexander is everything Turing is not—gregarious, flirty, and, you guessed it, charming.
From ‘The Good Wife’ to ‘The Imitation Game’: Matthew Goode Wages His Charm Offensive|Kevin Fallon|November 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For those who have a problem with that, she offered a charming, subtle middle finger.
Jeopardy! Champion Julia Collins’s Brain Feels Like Mush|Sujay Kumar|November 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Mayim Bialik and the cast of Blossom Charming family moment, or the beginning of a “Very Special Episode” of Blossom?
The Most WTF Covers of ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside,’ Everyone’s Favorite Date-Rape Holiday Classic|Kevin Fallon|November 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
That poor, pretty creature, starving, in her charming pink dress and hat of roses.
Rosemary in Search of a Father|C. N. Williamson
And he replied shortly, and with a slight charming affectation of pride: "I did without."
Hilda Lessways|Arnold Bennett
The back of her head will be quite in line with her charming little bust, and I for one shall walk round and laugh in her face.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
Just as it disappeared from view he caught a glimpse of a charming little girl, peeping out of a latticed window beside the door.
Davy and The Goblin|Charles E. Carryl
Whereat, he stepped to one side, and led upon the stage, a charming blonde who was greeted profusely.
The Homesteader|Oscar Micheaux

British Dictionary definitions for charming

charming

/ (ˈtʃɑːmɪŋ) /

adjective

delightful; pleasant; attractive

Derived forms of charming

charmingly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012