charming

[chahr-ming]

adjective

1. pleasing; delightful.

   a charming child.

   Synonyms: engaging, winsome, winning, lovely

2. using charm; exercising magic power.

charming

/ ˈtʃɑːmɪŋ /

adjective

1. delightful; pleasant; attractive

Other Word Forms

• charmingly adverb
• charmingness noun
• uncharming adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of charming¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; charm ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

He’s a joy to watch, charming and appropriately intense when the material calls for it, without being over-the-top.

From Salon

The experts recall with amazement and appreciation the level of curiosity and celebrity Thurgood commanded in courtrooms across the Jim Crow South, charming even the bigoted lawyers and judges whose unjust rulings he challenged.

From Salon

Still, large areas of the graceful drawings, the most charming ones showing flat silhouettes of crouching hunting dogs, are speculative.

From Los Angeles Times

He was quick to yell but could also be charming.

From Los Angeles Times

En route to her mother’s seaside alma mater, Avery encounters Charlie, a charming local in need of a fake girlfriend fast.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absorbing 
• alluring 
• amiable 
• appealing 
• attractive 
• charismatic 
• cute 
• delightful 
• elegant 
• engaging 
• engrossing 
• fascinating 
• glamorous 
• graceful 
• inviting 
• likable 
• lovable 
• lovely 
• pleasant 
• provocative