beckon

verb beck·on \ ˈbe-kᵊn \

|Updated on: 20 Jul 2018

Examples: beckon in a Sentence

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

noun

See beckon defined for English-language learners

See beckon defined for kids

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

Illuminated like a beacon at night, the museum complex beckoned me.

— Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "New England museums to visit this summer and fall," 4 July 2018
Penalties beckoned as extra time ticked away, but Grosso's goal saw him replicate Tardelli's expressive celebration.

— SI.com, "6 of the Wildest Celebrations Ever Seen in Football," 19 June 2018
Balmy beach towns, sleepy lake houses, and sketchy motels with surprisingly decent pools are all beckoning.

— yang-yi goh, GQ, "Everything You Need to Pack for a Summer Weekend Trip," 24 May 2018
For guests who want a quieter pool experience, the Serenity Pool beckons them with its smaller size and more relaxing feel.

— azcentral, "Holiday Inn Club Vacations Scottsdale Resort," 25 Apr. 2018
Ultimately, the climate and lifestyle of Southern California beckoned and Dalton moved to the left coast.

— steven stolman, Town & Country, "Princess Diana's Personal Hairdresser Shares His Memories of the Late Royal," 11 June 2018
But the open slopes on Deer Hill Road still beckon, said lawyer Ryan Patterson, who represented the group in the Lafayette suit.

— rachel swan, San Francisco Chronicle, "Housing at stake in Lafayette homes-vs.-apartments ballot battle," 9 June 2018
Behind the camera, aided by Marden Dean’s cinematography, Baker keenly captures the beckoning magnetism of active waters, not to mention the searching souls — young and experienced — who gravitate toward its dangers.

— robert abele, latimes.com, "Simon Baker's coming-of-age surf drama 'Breath' effectively captures emotional turbulence," 7 June 2018
But determined as ever, Mane was aiming for better and a place in the Premier League beckoned.

— SI.com, "Sadio Mane Won't Leave But Recent Transfer Rumours Only Highlight His Importance to Liverpool," 6 June 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

beckon Synonyms

Synonyms

flag, gesture, motion, signal, wave;

Related Words

nod;

gesticulate, mime, pantomime, sign;

signalize;

acquaint, advise, inform, relate, tell;

flourish, shrug;

BECKON Defined for English Language Learners

beckon

verb

Definition of beckon for English Language Learners

: to signal (someone) with your arm or hand in order to tell that person to come closer or follow
: to appear attractive or inviting
: to attract (someone or something)