# glamour

/ˈɡɫæmɝ/ (US) · /ɡlˈæmɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/glamour
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. attractive quality

noun · CEFR B2

the attractive and exciting quality that makes someone or something seem special or famous.

For teachers: an alluring or exciting quality that makes a person, place, or activity seem more attractive than ordinary life.

- She was attracted to the glamour of working in the film industry.
- The documentary strips away the glamour of professional sports to reveal the physical toll and isolation experienced by many elite athletes.

### 2. beauty and style

noun · CEFR B2

a very attractive and stylish appearance, often involving expensive clothes and makeup.

For teachers: a sophisticated and alluring physical appearance, typically achieved through fashion, cosmetics, and grooming.

- The red carpet was full of Hollywood glamour and expensive jewellery.
- The fashion photographer was renowned for his ability to capture old-school glamour using only natural light and minimal retouching.

### 3. magic spell

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

a magic spell that makes things look different or better than they really are.

For teachers: a magic spell or enchantment that influences the sight, making objects appear more beautiful or different than their true form.

- In the old story, the witch cast a glamour over the forest to hide her hut.
- The knight realised that the castle's beauty was merely a glamour designed to lure weary travellers into the sorcerer's trap.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'cast' or 'weave'.

### 4. to enchant

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to use magic to make someone see something that is not real.

For teachers: to affect by magic or enchantment; to fascinate or bewitch.

- The faerie tried to glamour the prince so he would follow her into the woods.
- The ancient creature possessed the power to glamour its prey, rendering them unable to perceive the danger until it was too late.

## Examples

- The old movie star still has a lot of glamour.
- The fashion show was full of glamour, with famous models wearing expensive jewelry and designer dresses.
- While the travel industry often markets international journalism as a life of pure glamour, the reality usually involves long hours in transit and significant physical exhaustion.

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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.