beckon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary; also common in everyday use for the literal meaning.
Quick answer
What does “beckon” mean?
To signal or summon someone by a gesture, typically a wave of the hand or a nod of the head.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To signal or summon someone by a gesture, typically a wave of the hand or a nod of the head.
To appear very attractive or inviting, to lure or entice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Slight preference for the metaphorical 'beckon' in UK literary contexts.
Connotations
The literal gesture can imply secrecy, urgency, or a discreet command. The metaphorical use carries connotations of promise and allure.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in both literal and figurative senses.
Grammar
How to Use “beckon” in a Sentence
[S] beckon [O] (e.g., She beckoned me)[S] beckon to [O] (e.g., He beckoned to the waiter)[S] beckon [O] + adverbial (e.g., She beckoned him inside)[S] (abstract) beckons (e.g., Opportunity beckons)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beckon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The porter beckoned us towards the lift.
- With exams over, the summer holidays beckoned enticingly.
American English
- The server beckoned to us from across the diner.
- The promise of a promotion beckoned him to work harder.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'New markets in Asia beckon for our products.'
Academic
Rare. May appear in historical or literary analysis describing gestures.
Everyday
Common for literal gestures: 'The teacher beckoned the student to the front of the class.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beckon”
- Using 'beckon' without an object when meaning is transitive (e.g., 'He beckoned me' not just 'He beckoned').
- Confusing 'beckon' with 'beck and call' in the idiom.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, but it can be done with a nod of the head or any gesture clearly meant to summon.
Yes. 'Beckon someone' is a direct transitive use (She beckoned him). 'Beckon to someone' is also correct and emphasizes the direction of the gesture.
A wave can be a greeting or a farewell. A beckon is specifically a summoning gesture, often with a curled finger or a deliberate motion.
No, this is a common mistake (eggcorn). The correct idiom is 'beck and call', meaning to be constantly available to serve someone's requests.
To signal or summon someone by a gesture, typically a wave of the hand or a nod of the head.
Beckon is usually formal, literary; also common in everyday use for the literal meaning. in register.
Beckon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛkən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛkən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Beckon call (common error for 'beck and call')”
- “The future beckons”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BECKON as a BEaCON you use with your hand to guide or call someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FUTURE IS A PLACE THAT SUMMONS US (e.g., 'A bright future beckons').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'beckon' correctly in its most common metaphorical sense?