charm

play

noun \ˈchärm\

Definition of charm

1a : the chanting or reciting of a magic spell : incantationb : a practice or expression believed to have magic power
2 : something worn about the person to ward off evil or ensure good fortune : amulet wore a rabbit's foot as a good-luck charm
3a : a trait that fascinates, allures, or delights the charm of this imaginative storyb : a physical grace (see ¹grace 3) or attraction —used in plural her feminine charmsc : compelling attractiveness the island possessed great charm
4 : a small ornament worn on a bracelet or chain Her sister presented her with a sterling silver charm for her bracelet.
5 : a fundamental quark that has an electric charge of +²⁄₃ and a measured energy of approximately 1.5 GeV; also : the flavor characterizing this particle

charmless

play \-ləs\ adjective

See charm defined for English-language learners

See charm defined for kids

Examples of charm in a Sentence

He keeps a horseshoe as a good luck charm.
He fell under the spell of her charms.
The resort has many charms.
The inn has a quaint charm.
The island possesses great charm.
The new curtains add charm to the room.
The seaside location is a big part of the house's charm.
He won her over with his charm.

Origin and Etymology of charm

Middle English charme, from Anglo-French, from Latin carmen song, from canere to sing — more at chant

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

charm

verb

Definition of charm

transitive verb
1a : to affect by or as if by magic : compelb : 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

play \ˈchär-mər\ noun

See charm defined for English-language learners

Examples of charm in a Sentence

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.

Origin and Etymology of charm

see ¹charm

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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

CHARM Defined for English Language Learners

charm

play

noun

Definition of charm for English Language Learners

: something that is believed to have magic powers and especially to prevent bad luck
: a small object that is worn on a chain or bracelet
: a quality that causes someone or something to be very likeable : an attractive quality

charm

verb

Definition of charm for English Language Learners

: to put a spell on (someone or something)
: to cause (someone) to like you or to do what you want by being nice, friendly, etc.
: to attract (someone) by being beautiful or welcoming

CHARM Defined for Kids

charm

play

noun \ˈchärm\

Definition of charm for Students

1 : an action, word, or phrase believed to have magic powers
2 : something believed to keep away evil and bring good luck
3 : a small decorative object worn on a chain or bracelet
4 : a quality that attracts and pleases

charm

play

verb

Definition of charm for Students

charmed

;

charming

1 : to affect or influence by or as if by a magic spell He charmed the group into supporting him.
2 : fascinate 2, delight The penguins were all charmed by the sparkling lights and the confusion of the city below. — Richard and Florence Atwater, Mr. Popper's Penguins
3 : to attract by being graceful, beautiful, or welcoming I was charmed by the countryside.
4 : to protect by or as if by a charm She leads a charmed life.