woo

verb

ˈwü 

wooed; wooing; woos

transitive verb

1

: to sue for the affection of and usually marriage with : court

2

: to solicit or entreat especially with importunity

woo new customers

3

: to seek to gain or bring about

intransitive verb

: to court a woman

wooer noun

Synonyms of woo

• invite
• seek

Examples of woo in a Sentence

The store had a sale in an effort to woo new customers.

The company must find creative ways to woo new employees.

Recent Examples on the Web

And then, Beyoncé, who has a stranglehold on excellence and can woo 100,000 with a look, shattered that bit of black-and-white history with a purple light, flames shooting up from the stage, and a sensational and sensual performance. —Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026

Who else can woo the likes of Joni Mitchell and Sombr, Martha Stewart and Jack Antonoff, Nancy Pelosi and Rachel Sennott in one room, all among the guest list for its 2026 edition? —Rob Ledonne, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026

Full of enticing design elements inside and out, the 5,608-square-foot home might have wooed buyers the most with its statement-making fireplaces, lovely wallpapers and tiles, or charming arched doorways and windows. —Dallas Morning News, 1 Feb. 2026

Talent agencies last year expressed interest in signing AI actor Tilly Norwood, sparking outrage among Hollywood celebrities yet wooing studios who found Norwood a potentially profitable venture. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wowen, from Old English wōgian

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing woo

• woo-hoo
• woo-woo

Rhymes for woo

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

woo

verb

ˈwü 

1

: to try to gain the love of : court

2

: to seek to gain or bring about

political candidates wooing public support