# beckoning

/ˈbɛkənɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈɛkənɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/beckoning
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

to wave your hand or nod to ask someone to come closer or follow you.

For teachers: to gesture for someone to approach or follow, typically with a movement of the hand, head, or finger.

## Examples

- She is beckoning you to come closer.
- The teacher is beckoning the late students into the classroom before closing the door.
- From across the crowded station, he could see his old friend beckoning urgently through the shifting crowd.

## Usage notes

- Can take a direct object or be followed by 'to', 'over', or 'in' to show direction.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.