charm

noun

\ ˈchärm

Definition of charm

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : the chanting or reciting of a magic spell : incantation

b : 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 story

b : a physical grace (see grace entry 1 sense 3) or attraction —used in plural her feminine charms

c : 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

charm

verb

charmed; charming; charms

Definition of charm (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to affect by or as if by magic : compel

b : 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.

Other Words from charm Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about charm

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Other Words from charm

Noun

charmless \ ˈchärm-ləs

\ adjective

Verb

charmer \ ˈchär-mər

\ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for charm

Synonyms: Noun

amulet, fetish (also fetich), mascot, mojo, periapt, phylactery, talisman

Synonyms: Verb

allure, beguile, bewitch, captivate, enchant, fascinate, kill, magnetize, wile, witch [archaic]

Antonyms: Noun

hoodoo, jinx

Choose the Right Synonym for charm

Verb

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

Examples of charm in a Sentence

Noun

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.

Verb

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.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Photos posted to the real estate company’s Facebook also show off its rustic charm. — Megan Stein, Country Living, "Carrie Underwood Is Selling the Nashville Mansion Where She Had Her Scary Accident," 10 Mar. 2019 For the seven-time Oscar nominee, the eighth time may just be the charm. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Glenn Close's Sunset Boulevard Remake Is Moving Forward with a Newly Announced Director," 4 Mar. 2019 The gnome wasn’t a lucky charm for its owner, Bubba Watson, who missed the cut along with his next-door neighbor at Camp Shinnecock, Jason Day, the 2015 P.G.A. champion. — Karen Crouse, New York Times, "By Land or by Sea, U.S. Open Golfers Got Creative About Their Lodging," 16 June 2018 The novel’s hero is Genji, a son of the emperor who possesses unmatched beauty and charm. — Emily Ferguson, WSJ, "The Legacy of a Japanese Classic," 22 Feb. 2019 The Pradamalia are fantasy charms composed of elements of the Prada oeuvre. — Nadra Nittle, Vox, "Prada pulled a collection of figurines that drew comparisons to anti-black caricatures," 14 Dec. 2018 This wasn't just the standard charm bracelet with her kids' initials or birthstones on it — the mother of the bride wore a bangle with both of her daughters' names written out in diamonds. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "No One Noticed Sarah Ferguson's Touching Tribute to Beatrice and Eugenie at the Royal Wedding," 18 Oct. 2018 Amy Mikler for The Wall Street Journal 1 of 22 ••••• Young professionals and families are discovering the charms of Fort Worth, a city of about 875,000 people with deep roots in the cattle industry. — Alina Dizik, WSJ, "As Homebuyers Flock In, Fort Worth Embraces its Cowtown Reputation," 17 Jan. 2019 Europe has proven highly receptive to Xiaomi’s charms of high-spec devices at breakthrough prices. — Vlad Savov, The Verge, "Xiaomi launches in the UK with Mi 8 Pro flagship," 8 Nov. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Today, Kate Middleton was doing her Kate Middleton thing in a community garden, wearing a country-chic outfit, flipping her shiny hair, and charming some kids. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "Does the Queen Eat Pizza?," 15 Jan. 2019 Where to Eat Wild Beets In Santa Gertrudis, Wild Beets draws inspiration from Ibiza’s hippie history with a contemporary vegan menu that could charm even a carnivore. — Elizabeth Wellington, Vogue, "For Authentic Ibiza, Visit in the Winter," 15 Feb. 2019 Dinnertime, once an ever-changing parade of feasts that charmed the palates of Steve and Jennifer, has become a spartan affair of the easily achievable. — Matt Sedensky, The Seattle Times, "‘I’m ashamed’: Americans blame Trump after Kansas City mom’s deportation," 23 July 2018 Meghan Markle has charmed even the littlest of fans! — Maura Hohman, PEOPLE.com, "Meghan Markle's Mom Skills Are (Already!) on Display: See the Sweet New Photos," 2 July 2018 The altar boy who might charm the nuns could take on ferocities. — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, "Oliver North Will Be the Next President of the NRA. Here's What to Know About the Arms Deal That Made Him Famous," 7 May 2018 There’s something charming about these mega-corportations’ names on a simpler product. — Ashley Carman, The Verge, "We’re charmed by these tech products, reimagined for a simpler time," 11 Nov. 2018 In a new interview with U.K. newspaper Metro, Noah suggested that any follow-up films to the instantly beloved Netflix original could explore Peter's less-charming aspects. — Andrea Park, Teen Vogue, "Noah Centineo Talks Exploring a Darker Side of Peter Kavinsky in "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" Sequel," 14 Sep. 2018 For native Angeleno Meghan Markle and Britain’s charming Prince Harry of Wales, the first stop on the way to happily ever after will be setting up housekeeping inside Nottingham Cottage, a.k.a. — Bonnie Mccarthy, latimes.com, "How will Meghan and Harry mash up California style and British (royal) tradition?," 17 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'charm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

15 Mar 2019

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Time Traveler for charm

The first known use of charm was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for charm

charm

noun

English Language Learners Definition of charm

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

English Language Learners Definition of charm (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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

See the full definition for charm in the English Language Learners Dictionary

charm

noun

\ ˈchärm

Kids Definition of charm

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

verb

charmed; charming

Kids Definition of charm (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to affect or influence by or as if by a magic spell He charmed the group into supporting him.

2 : fascinate sense 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.