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 of beckon

• motion
• 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

The neon lights on Wrigley beckoned every Cubbies fan to gather in brotherhood and share one of America’s greatest experiences — baseball. —Charleen Richey, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

Lounges beckon with long communal tables, plush banquettes, and modular sofas designed for meeting and working. —Terry Ward, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026

The World's Wonder View Tower in Genoa, a six-story concrete structure that has beckoned travelers along what is now Interstate 70 for nearly 100 years, is reopening after a 10-year renovation. —Kevin Strong, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

With a little something for everyone, Casablanca beckons curious minds to linger for an enriching exploration beyond a quick stopover. —Liza Foreman, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for beckon

• reckon

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