beckon [beckonbeckonsbeckonedbeckoning] BrE [ˈbekən] NAmE [ˈbekən] verb 1. intransitive, transitive to give sb a signal using your finger or hand, especially to tell them to move nearer or to follow you Syn: ↑signal •~ to sb (to do sth) He beckoned to the waiter to bring the bill. •~ sb (+ adv./prep.) He beckoned her over with a wave. •The boss beckoned him into her office. •~ sb to do sth She beckoned him to come and join them. 2. intransitive, transitive to appear very attractive to sb •The clear blue sea beckoned. •~ sb The prospect of a month without work was beckoning her. 3. intransitive to be sth that is likely to happen or will possibly happen to sb in the future •For many kids leaving college the prospect of unemployment beckons. Verb forms:
Word Origin: Old English bīecnan, bēcnan, of West Germanic origin; related to ↑beacon.
Example Bank: •The lights seemed to beckon to Sara in a strange way. •I saw someone beckoning from a doorway. •John beckoned her to come in. •Richard beckoned the man over. •She beckoned him into her office. •The man with the headphones was beckoning urgently.
