Definition of lure
1 : an object usually of leather or feathers attached to a long cord and used by a falconer to recall or exercise a hawk
2a : an inducement to pleasure or gain : enticement the lure of adventure the lure of her beautyb : appeal, attraction may succumb to the lure of candy, sodas and other sweets — Cheryl Jennings-Sauer
3 : a decoy for attracting animals to capture: such asa : artificial bait used for catching fishb : an often luminous (see luminous 1a) structure on the head of pediculate fishes that is used to attract prey
Explore M-W
Examples of lure in a Sentence
the promise of easy money is always the lure for some people to take up a life of crime
the fish simply didn't seem to like the lure I was using, so I didn't catch a thing
Origin and Etymology of lure
Middle English, from Anglo-French lure, leure, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German luoder bait; perhaps akin to Old English lathian to invite, Old High German ladōn
First Known Use: 14th century
lure
Definition of lure
lured
;luring
transitive verb
1 : to recall or exercise (a hawk) by means of a lure
2 : to draw with a hint of pleasure or gain : attract actively and strongly
Examples of lure in a Sentence
They lured the bear out of its den.
The suburbs are luring middle-class families away from the city.
The police lured him back to the scene of the crime.
Explorers were lured to the area by tales of a city of gold.
An attractive window display can help to lure shoppers into the store.
Origin and Etymology of lure
see 1lure
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of lure
LURE Defined for English Language Learners
lure
playDefinition of lure for English Language Learners
-
: an appealing or attractive quality
-
: a device used for attracting and catching animals, birds, or especially fish
lure
Definition of lure for English Language Learners
-
: to cause or persuade (a person or an animal) to go somewhere or to do something by offering some pleasure or gain
LURE Defined for Kids
Definition of lure for Students
1 : something that attracts or tempts
2 : an artificial bait for catching fish
Definition of lure for Students
lured
;luring
: to tempt by offering pleasure or gain Men were lured by tales of treasure.
Learn More about lure
-
See words that rhyme with lure Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lure Spanish Central: Translation of lure Nglish: Translation of lure for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lure for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lure
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up lure? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!