- present participle of charm.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of charming
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; charm 1 + -ing 2
Explanation
Something charming is usually pleasing or delightful. More rarely, it can be something supernatural. Charms are magical objects and something charming puts you under its spell. In most cases, we mean that only figuratively — if you spent a charming evening with friends, it means their company was so wonderful it was almost enchanting. Charming people have a special, almost magical way of making others like them. But if you're talking about a charming witch, you better watch out for her sorcery and magic tricks.
Vocabulary lists containing charming
Positive Words to Describe a Person
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Positive Words to Describe People, List 1
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Real Nice!
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Felton says he was struck by Pratt's confidence and describes him as a "charming young man and fabulous actor".
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026
Some play off a character’s propriety, all profit from the actor’s charm — which might be turned to evil ends but remain, for the viewer, you know, charming.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026
“He studied the face in front of him, this audacious and obviously talented twenty-six-year-old with the jarring ability to be vicious and charming in the same breath.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026
From a young age, William was depicted as the charming, steady heir to the throne, with Harry the wayward but loveably roguish sibling.
From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026
“He’s...mercurial. He’s capable of being the most charming man on earth. Like tonight.”
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
