# lure

/ˈɫʊɹ/ (US) · /lˈɔː/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. to tempt or attract

verb · CEFR B2

to persuade someone to go somewhere or do something by offering them something exciting.

For teachers: to entice or tempt a person or animal to move toward a specific location or action, often through guile or the promise of reward.

- The company tried to lure him away from his current job with a higher salary.
- The promise of rapid career advancement was designed to lure the most talented graduates into the firm's intensive training programme.

Usage: This is a transitive verb that always requires an object.

### 2. an attraction or temptation

noun · CEFR B2

the attractive quality of something that makes you want it.

For teachers: the power of attracting or enticing; a quality that makes something seem very appealing.

- The lure of fame and fortune led many young people to the city.
- Despite the risks involved in the expedition, the lure of discovery proved too strong for the seasoned explorers to resist.

### 3. fishing bait

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

an artificial object used to attract and catch fish.

For teachers: an artificial bait, often brightly coloured or reflective, used in angling to attract predatory fish.

- He chose a shiny silver lure to catch the attention of the trout.
- The angler carefully selected a surface lure that mimicked the movement of a wounded insect to trigger a strike from the bass.

### 4. falconry tool

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a bunch of feathers on a string used to call a hawk back to its owner.

For teachers: an apparatus, typically consisting of feathers or leather, used by falconers to recall a hawk or falcon during training.

- The falconer swung the lure in a circle to bring the bird back to his glove.
- Training a young raptor requires the precise use of the lure to ensure the bird associates the signal with a food reward.

## Examples

- The lure of big city life is very strong for young people.
- The bright neon signs acted as a lure, drawing tourists into the expensive souvenir shops.
- Despite the inherent risks of the expedition, the lure of discovering an untouched ecosystem proved too great for the team of scientists to resist.

---

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.