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

• ask (for)
• court
• flirt (with)
• invite

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

The Biden administration tried to woo the working class with subsidies and stimulus, but there is no economic solution to what is primarily a crisis of respect. —David Brooks, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024

The big picture: Trump has been trying to woo disenchanted Latino men and Native American voters — crucial parts of the Democratic coalition — but the effort was hurt after the New York rally. —Russell Contreras, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024

Show contestant Cheryl Bradshaw was wooed by Alcala, and the couple's prize was a date for the two. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024

With less than a week to go until election day, both candidates have been making their final pitches to voters and visiting key swing states to woo any undecideds who remain. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

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

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