charm

1 of 2

verb

charmed; charming; charms

transitive verb

1

a

: to affect by or as if by magic : compel

b

: to please, soothe, or delight by compelling attraction

charms customers with his suave manner

2

: to endow with or as if with supernatural powers by means of charms

also : to protect by or as if by spells, charms, or supernatural influences

3

: to control (an animal) typically by charms (such as the playing of music)

charm a snake

intransitive verb

1

: to practice magic and enchantment

witches having the power to charm

2

: to have the effect of a charm : fascinate

The village charms by its quaintness.

charmer

ˈchär-mər 

noun

charmer

2 of 2

noun

charm·​er ˈchär-mər 

plural -s

: one that charms:

a

: enchanter, magician

b

: one that pleases, intrigues, fascinates, or overcomes hostile, harsh, or dubious feeling

especially : an attractive woman

Synonyms of charm

Verb

• fascinate
• enchant
• delight
• entice
• allure
• seduce
• captivate
• interest
• intrigue
• witch

Choose the Right Synonym for charm

attract, allure, charm, captivate, fascinate, enchant mean to draw another by exerting a powerful influence.

attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response,

charmed by their hospitality

but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.

her performances captivated audiences

fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.

hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

Examples of charm in a Sentence

Verb

The snake was charmed by the music.

He was known for his ability to charm voters.

He charmed the committee into approving his proposal.

I was charmed by the cozy country inn.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Charlie also opened up about his Greek roots during Season 7 of Love Island, even speaking a little Greek to fellow Islander Bell-A as a way to charm her. —Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 3 June 2026

The welcome is relaxed and warm while the flamboyant decor fights to charm you. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Keep in mind, Venus and Jupiter can also contribute to financial growth or a deeper sense of abundance, while Venus in Leo charms your communication sector, whether through writing or your social life. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026

To JoAnne's dismay, his backwards tech bro logic begins to charm the attendees. —Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English charmen "to recite or cast a magic spell, cast a spell on," borrowed from Anglo-French charmer, derivative of charme "magic spell, charm entry 1"

Noun

Middle English charmere, from charmen to charm + -ere -er

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing charm

• the third time is the charm
• work like a charm

Rhymes for charm

• arm
• farm
• harm
• alarm
• disarm
• forearm
• gendarme
• nonfarm
• rearm
• firearm
• underarm

Kids Definition

charm

1 of 2 noun

ˈchärm 

1

: a word, action, or thing believed to have magic power

2

: something worn to keep away evil and bring good luck

3

: a small ornament worn on a chain or bracelet

4

: a quality that attracts and pleases

charm

2 of 2 verb

1

: to affect or influence by or as if by a magic spell

charm a snake

2

: to protect by or as if by a charm

a charmed life

3

a

: delight entry 2 sense 2, fascinate

b

: to attract by grace or beauty

charmer noun

Etymology

Noun

Middle English charme "magic word," from early French charme (same meaning), from Latin carmen "song," from canere "to sing" — related to chant, chantey