allure

1 of 2

verb

al·​lure ə-ˈlu̇r How to pronounce allure (audio)
allured; alluring

transitive verb

: to entice by charm or attraction
… I had been fool enough to allow myself to be so quickly allured by her charms …Anthony Trollope
allurement noun

allure

2 of 2

noun

: power of attraction or fascination : charm
the allure of fame
rare books that hold a special allure for collectors
Choose the Right Synonym for allure

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 allure in a Sentence

Verb was so allured by his sister's college roommate that before long he was asking her for a date allured by the promise of big bucks, he decided to have a go at a job on the trading floor of the stock market
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
But most foods know no gender, and brands risk alienating certain groups through the attempt of specifically alluring another. Andrew Watman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 The collection is inspired by alluring gangster films that are reimagined through the world of LaQuan Smith. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
Sadly, though, the allure of bots as replacements for real people is likely to be more appealing to many others than the idea of co-pilots, co-thinkers or whatever. Roger Trapp, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 An influx of newcomers following the allure of the Lone Star State's sunny and warm weather, relatively lower cost of living and lower taxes since the pandemic brought up demand for housing and priced out locals during cutthroat bidding wars. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allure

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English aluren, from Middle French alurer, from Old French, from a- (from Latin ad-) + lure, leure lure — more at lure

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allure was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allure. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

allure

1 of 2 verb
al·​lure ə-ˈlu̇(ə)r How to pronounce allure (audio)
allured; alluring
: to try to attract or influence by offering what seems to be a benefit or pleasure
allurement noun

allure

2 of 2 noun
: power of attraction : charm

More from Merriam-Webster on allure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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