1
: an object usually of leather or feathers attached to a long cord and used by a falconer to recall or exercise a hawk
2
a
: an inducement to pleasure or gain : enticement
the lure of adventure
the lure of her beauty
b
: appeal, attraction
may succumb to the lure of candy, sodas and other sweets—Cheryl Jennings-Sauer
3
: a decoy for attracting animals to capture: such as
a
: artificial bait used for catching fish
b
: an often luminous (see luminous sense 1a) structure on the head of pediculate fishes that is used to attract prey
lured; luring
1
: to recall or exercise (a hawk) by means of a lure
2
: to draw with a hint of pleasure or gain : attract actively and strongly
Cite this Entry
“Lure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lure. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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