V. L. Parrington 
Did you know?
A number of English words have traveled a rather curious path from meanings related to deception or trickery to something less unwelcome. A prime example is beguile, which first appeared in English around the 13th century with the meaning “to lead or draw by deception.” For the next several centuries, most of the senses of the verb had to do, in one manner or another, with deceiving. Around the time of Shakespeare, however, a more appealing sense charmed its way into the English language and hasn’t left since: “to attract or interest someone,” or in other words, “to charm.” Nowadays, you’re just as likely to hear beguile applied to someone who woos an audience with charisma, as to a wily trickster who hoodwinks others to get their way.
Examples of beguile in a Sentence
Bret Saunders,
Denver Post,
6 June 2026
The neighborhood/area Savvy visitors often prefer to stay along beguiling Atlantic Seaboard neighborhoods like Bantry Bay and Clifton for their stunning water views and endless sunsets, or in the lively Gardens or Seapoint areas with their hip cafés and boutiques.
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Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
The first was that Leah, with her beguiling Valley monotone and passion for a man who cuddled with insects, was becoming the star of season 6.
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Anna Peele,
Vanity Fair,
14 May 2026
Few embody a tortured, beguiling Americana quite like her.
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Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for beguile
Cite this Entry
“Beguile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beguile. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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beguile
verb
