adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of charming
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; charm 1 + -ing 2
Explanation
Something charming is usually pleasing or delightful. More rarely, it can be something supernatural. Charms are magical objects and something charming puts you under its spell. In most cases, we mean that only figuratively — if you spent a charming evening with friends, it means their company was so wonderful it was almost enchanting. Charming people have a special, almost magical way of making others like them. But if you're talking about a charming witch, you better watch out for her sorcery and magic tricks.
Vocabulary lists containing charming
Positive Words to Describe a Person
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Positive Words to Describe People, List 1
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Real Nice!
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Holly Madison remembers the exact moment she first saw her charming Hollywoodland tudor.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 2, 2026
Mountains surround a charming town next to a lake so big its Chinese name is “ear-shaped sea.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026
He has been described as "a lad with a heart of gold, kind and charming, who actually loves being here".
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
This interactive drone exhibit features the most charming miniaturized version of L.A., including notable landmarks like the Griffith Observatory, the Capitol Records building, Randy’s Donuts and the Hollywood sign.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026
“He is an older gentleman, very distinguished and charming, if I do say so. Perhaps your husband knew him? I expect they would have been about the same age.”
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
