beckon

verb

beck·​on ˈbe-kᵊn 

beckoned; beckoning

intransitive verb

1

: to summon or signal typically with a wave or nod

My master beckons.

He … beckoned to the other generals to come and stand where he stood.

—H. E. Scudder

2

: to appear inviting : attract

the frontier beckons

transitive verb

: to beckon to

beckoned us over to their table

beckon noun

Synonyms

• flag
• gesture
• motion
• signal
• wave

Examples of beckon in a Sentence

She was beckoning them in to shore.

She beckoned the waiter to come over.

She beckoned to the waiter to come over.

From the time he was a child, the wilderness beckoned to him.

The nature preserve beckons bird-watchers, who visit from around the world.

Recent Examples on the Web

These tropical isles beckon travelers with the promise of a serene getaway, an escape from the stresses of daily life. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024

An internal intellectual exploration may beckon to you today. —USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024

The home of the Renaissance Festival beckons with sparkling holiday lights, festive shows and unique offerings at the Yuletide Market. Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday, 3-9 p.m. Saturday, Renaissance Park, 10542 E. State Route 73, Harveysburg. —Jordan Kellogg, The Enquirer, 24 Nov. 2024

Named after the Portuguese explorer who sailed through the strait, Magallanes has beckoned seafarers and naturalists for centuries. —Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bekenen, bikenen, becknien, becknyn, going back to Old English bēcnan, bīcnan, bīcnian, bēacnian "to make a mute gesture to, summon, symbolize, portend, reveal," going back to West Germanic *bauhnjan- or *bauhnōjan- (whence also Old Saxon bōknian "to portend, give as a token," Old High German bouhhanen, bouhnen "to give a sign or token, signify"), weak verb derivatives of *baukn- "sign, signal" — more at beacon entry 1

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

beckon

verb

beck·​on ˈbek-ən 

beckoned; beckoning

ˈbek- (ə-)niŋ

1

: to call or signal to a person usually by a wave or nod

they beckoned us to come over

2

: to appear inviting

new adventures were beckoning