English Reference
Adjective

alluring

adj.
C1 Advanced US /əˈɫʊɹɪŋ/ UK /ɐlˈɔːɹɪŋ/ al·lur·ing

adj.describing something that is very attractive, exciting, or mysterious. You use this when something makes you want to go near it or have it.

adj.highly attractive or charming, often in a way that suggests mystery or excitement. Typically used to describe qualities of a person, place, or prospect.


SIMPLE

The smell of fresh bread was very alluring.

CONTEXTUAL

The travel brochure featured alluring photos of white sandy beaches and turquoise water.

COMPLEX

Despite the risks involved, the alluring prospect of a high-paying career in the city convinced him to leave his quiet hometown.

Usage

Often used as a participial adjective; it can appear both before a noun or after a linking verb like 'seem' or 'look'.

There’s an alluring tint of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers to this artist’s recent works.

The Guardian· 4 Sept 2026

You could argue that these physical qualities actually make books more alluring than they were in the days before the internet and social media.

The Conversation· 4 Aug 2026

By surface analysis, allure + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated