beckon

verb

beck·​on ˈbe-kᵊn 

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

Synonyms

• motion
• wave

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 on the Web

These are serious temples of pleasure, with irresistible aromas wafting out and window displays beckoning with equal measures of art and enticement. —Aleksandra Crapanzano, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025

Only a few seasons later, Indiana has emerged as a legitimate national championship contender, its fans literally and figuratively beating their bare chests with pride, beckoning all challengers — even those in the SEC. —Justin Williams, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025

Today, some people claim that the dolls move on their own—and even beckon people to the island’s canals. —Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025

The breathable cotton quilt is lightweight enough to use year-round, but the warm tones beckon for fall. —Sheri Kaz, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bekenen, bikenen, becknien, becknyn, going back to Old English bēcnan, bīcnan, bīcnian, bēacnian "to make a mute gesture to, summon, symbolize, portend, reveal," going back to West Germanic *bauhnjan- or *bauhnōjan- (whence also Old Saxon bōknian "to portend, give as a token," Old High German bouhhanen, bouhnen "to give a sign or token, signify"), weak verb derivatives of *baukn- "sign, signal" — more at beacon entry 1

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for beckon

• reckon

Kids Definition

beckon

verb

beck·​on ˈbek-ən 

beckoned; beckoning

ˈbek- (ə-)niŋ

1

: to call or signal to a person usually by a wave or nod

they beckoned us to come over

2

: to appear inviting

new adventures were beckoning