Meaning & use

charmer

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈtʃɑːmə/
US/ˈtʃɑːrmər/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A person who is pleasant and attractive and good at making others like them.

    Grammar: Countable: 'a charmer', 'two charmers'. Often used of men.

    Patterns

    • a real charmer
    • a bit of a charmer
    • be a charmer

    Her little brother is a real charmer; everyone smiles at him.

    He can talk his way out of anything — he's a charmer.

    The salesman was a charmer, but I didn't trust him.

  2. nouncountabledisapproving

    A person who uses flattery or smooth talk to get what they want, often not sincerely.

    Grammar: Countable; often with a disapproving tone: 'He's a smooth charmer.'

    Patterns

    • a smooth charmer
    • a snake charmer

    Don't be fooled by that charmer; he's after your money.

    She called him a charmer, but her smile was cold.

Word forms

pluralcharmers

Common combinations

a real charmer
The puppy was a real charmer and found a home quickly.
a bit of a charmer
He's a bit of a charmer, so watch out.
smooth charmer
The politician was a smooth charmer on camera.
snake charmer
In the market, a snake charmer played a flute.

Synonyms and how they differ

charismatic person
More neutral and formal; 'charmer' often suggests playful or manipulative charm.
flatterer
Focuses on insincere praise; a charmer may charm in other ways too.

Opposites

Word family

charm noun
The quality of being pleasant and attractive.
charm verb
To please or attract someone.
charming adjective
Very pleasant or attractive.

Commonly confused: charmer or charmer?

charmer vs charmer

Do not confuse with 'charmer' and 'charmer' — the spelling is with 'charm', not 'charma'.

Practice

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