woo

verb

ˈwü 

wooed; wooing; woos

transitive verb

1

: to sue for the affection of and usually marriage with : court

2

: to solicit or entreat especially with importunity

woo new customers

3

: to seek to gain or bring about

intransitive verb

: to court a woman

wooer noun

Synonyms of woo

• invite
• seek

Examples of woo in a Sentence

The store had a sale in an effort to woo new customers.

The company must find creative ways to woo new employees.

Recent Examples on the Web

Businesses here are also trying to woo the sailors, with some putting up banners to welcome them. — Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026

As the powerhouse publisher behind blockbuster books by Dave Grohl, Cher, Debbie Harry, and Geddy Lee, Carrie Thornton is used to wooing rock stars in order to acquire their memoirs. — Lori Majewski, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026

The iconic destination woos visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and a unique network of bridges and canals linking neighborhoods across the Venetian lagoon. — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

The 35-year-old man wooed many of the women through dating apps and offered up nonexistent investment opportunities, the release said. — Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wowen, from Old English wōgian

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing woo

• woo-hoo
• woo-woo

Rhymes for woo

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

woo

verb

ˈwü 

1

: to try to gain the love of : court

2

: to seek to gain or bring about

political candidates wooing public support