beckonverb
uk/ˈbek.ən/us/ˈbek.ən/[ I or T ] to move your hand or head in a way that tells someone to come nearer:
The customs official beckoned the woman to his counter.
"Hey you!" she called, beckoning me over with her finger.
He beckoned to me, as if he wanted to speak to me.
[ I ] If something beckons, it attracts people:
For many young people, the bright lights of the city beckon, though a lot of them end up sleeping on the streets.
[ I ] If an event or achievement beckons, it is likely to happen:
She's an excellent student, for whom a wonderful future beckons.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Gestures & gesturing
- air punch
- air quotes
- bat
- blow
- bob
- body language
- cock
- cue
- finger
- give sb the finger idiom
- inclination
- mooning
- motion
- namaskar
- nod
- non-verbal
- peace sign
- pump
- pump sb's hand idiom
- wave sb/sth down
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Attracting and tempting
About to happen