beckon
Beckon (verb) means to signal someone, usually with the hand or a nod, to come closer. Example: “The waiter beckoned us over to an empty table.”
How to use beckon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo wave or nod at someone to get them to come over, or (more figuratively) to seem tempting.
Word forms
beckoned past tense, beckons plural, beckons singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The waiter _____ us over to an empty table.
Etymology
From Old English bēacnian, "to signal," related to "beacon" — both come from a Germanic root meaning "sign" or "signal."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for beckon
See all rhymes for beckon →Frequently asked questions
What does “beckon” mean?
The word “beckon” means to signal someone, usually with the hand or a nod, to come closer. In plain terms, to wave or nod at someone to get them to come over, or (more figuratively) to seem tempting.
How do you pronounce “beckon”?
“Beckon” is pronounced BEH-kuhn (/ˈbɛkən/ in IPA).
How do you use “beckon” in a sentence?
Here is “beckon” used in a sentence: “The waiter beckoned us over to an empty table.”
What part of speech is “beckon”?
“Beckon” is a verb.
Where does the word “beckon” come from?
The word “beckon” comes from Old English. From Old English bēacnian, "to signal," related to "beacon" — both come from a Germanic root meaning "sign" or "signal.".
How many meanings does “beckon” have?
“Beckon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to signal someone, usually with the hand or a nod, to come closer.
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