Definition of beckon
beckoned
;beckoning
intransitive verb
1 : to summon or signal typically with a wave or nod My master beckons. He … beckoned to the other generals to come and stand where he stood. — H. E. Scudder
2 : to appear inviting : attract the frontier beckons
transitive verb
: to beckon to beckoned us over to their table
beckon
nounIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of beckon in a Sentence
She was beckoning them in to shore.
She beckoned the waiter to come over.
She beckoned to the waiter to come over.
From the time he was a child, the wilderness beckoned to him.
The nature preserve beckons bird-watchers, who visit from around the world.
Recent Examples of beckon from the Web
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In the 1930s, the freedom of the open road beckoned, but for African-Americans traveling in the Jim Crow era, highways could be fraught with peril.
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In the 1930s, the freedom of the open road beckoned, but for African Americans traveling in the Jim Crow era, highways could be fraught with peril.
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Across the hall, a chief petty officer beckoned them inside his office.
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With summer approaching and outdoor sites beckoning, Amy Buckles just put a deposit down on a ticket to adventure — her first new travel trailer.
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Go for a hike Seattle is surrounded by natural wonders that beckon to be explored.
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Still half-finished, in a cow pasture protected by barbed wire, the tropical free trade complex beckoned.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'beckon'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of beckon
Middle English beknen, from Old English bīecnan, from bēacen sign — more at beacon
First Known Use: before 12th century
BECKON Defined for English Language Learners
beckon
playDefinition of beckon for English Language Learners
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: to signal (someone) with your arm or hand in order to tell that person to come closer or follow
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: to appear attractive or inviting
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: to attract (someone or something)
BECKON Defined for Kids
beckon
playDefinition of beckon for Students
beckoned
;beckoning
1 : to call or signal by a motion (as a wave or nod) They beckoned to us to come over.
2 : to appear inviting New adventures were beckoning.
Learn More about beckon
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See words that rhyme with beckon Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for beckon Spanish Central: Translation of beckon Nglish: Translation of beckon for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of beckon for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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