glamour

noun

glam·​our ˈgla-mər How to pronounce glamour (audio)
variants or less commonly glamor
1
: an exciting and often illusory and romantic attractiveness
the glamour of Hollywood
especially : alluring or fascinating attraction
often used attributively
glamour stock glamour girls whooping cranes and … other glamour birds R. T. Peterson
2
: a magic spell
the girls appeared to be under a glamourLlewelyn Powys
glamour transitive verb
glamourless adjective

Did you know?

In the Middle Ages the meaning of grammar was not restricted to the study of language, but included learning in general. Since almost all learning was couched in language not spoken or understood by the unschooled populace, it was commonly believed that such subjects as magic and astrology were included in this broad sense of grammar. Scholars were often viewed with awe and more than a little suspicion by ordinary people. This connection between grammar and magic was evident in a number of languages, and in Scotland by the 18th century a form of grammar, altered to glamer or glamour, meant “a magic spell or enchantment.” As glamour passed into more extended English usage, it came to mean “an elusive, mysteriously exciting attractiveness.”

Example Sentences

She left her hometown, attracted to the glamour of the big city. an acting career filled with glitz and glamour the glamour of the movie business
Recent Examples on the Web The resulting fabrics — a striped silk with a floral motif and a floral trellis pattern, both dating from the 17th century, and a Regency-era cotton stripe, all of which come in pastel colorways — will bring a touch of bygone glamour to an interior. Lindsey Tramuta Jameson Montgomery Juan A. Ramírez Ellie Pithers Gisela Williams Amy Fang, New York Times, 25 May 2023 Lisa channeled Old Hollywood glamour with her refined yet sleek look. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 18 May 2023 Visitors can tour some 10,000 square feet of sensory-rich glamour, from a playful plaid-and-yellow parlor to a sophisticated hookah lounge that takes a step into the dark side. Parker Bowie Larson, ELLE Decor, 16 May 2023 Monogrammed Leontine Linens bedding adds another layer of femininity and glamour. Ryan Conner, Dallas News, 27 Apr. 2023 State visits, usually marked by glamour and pageantry, happen at the personal invitation of the president and are reserved for the U.S.'s closest allies. Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 25 Apr. 2023 Hollywood Hollywood & Highland Address: 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028 Phone: (323) 817-0200 Website Restaurants, shops, entertainment in the midst of Hollywood glamour describe Hollywood & Highland. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2023 TikTok user @mackey__p shows the effects of the bold glamour filter. Elizabeth Napolitano, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2023 The film is about outcasts who have refurbished the customs of the American West, bringing gender-agnostic glamour to scenery that traditionally attracts rugged men. Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'glamour.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from Scots glamer, glamour, by dissimilation from grammar grammar in sense "learning, erudition," popularly associated with occult practices

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of glamour was in 1715

Dictionary Entries Near glamour

Cite this Entry

“Glamour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glamour. Accessed 10 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

glamour

noun
glam·​our
variants also glamor
: romantic, exciting, and often misleading attractiveness

More from Merriam-Webster on glamour

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