# summoning

/ˈsəmənɪŋ/ (US) · /sˈʌmənɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/summoning
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

the act of calling someone to come to a specific place, often for an official reason. It can also mean using magic to make a spirit or ghost appear.

For teachers: the act of calling upon someone to appear at a specific location, often under official or legal authority. In a supernatural context, refers to the invocation of spirits or entities through ritualistic means.

## Examples

- The king's summoning of his advisors was urgent.
- The sudden summoning to the principal's office left the student feeling anxious for the rest of the morning.
- In many folklore traditions, the summoning of a spirit requires not only the correct incantation but also a physical offering to bridge the gap between worlds.

## Usage notes

- Often used with 'of' to indicate who is being called.

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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.