charming

From Middle English charmyng; equivalent to charm +‎ -ing.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈtʃɑː(ɹ).mɪŋ/

• Audio (US)

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• Rhymes: -ɑː(r)mɪŋ

charming (comparative more charming, superlative most charming)

1. pleasant, charismatic
   • 2012 May 24, Nathan Rabin, “Film: Reviews: Men In Black 3”, in The Onion AV Club‎:

     In the abstract, Stuhlbarg’s twinkly-eyed sidekick suggests Joe Pesci in Lethal Weapon 2 by way of late-period Robin Williams with an alien twist, but Stuhlbarg makes a character that easily could have come across as precious into a surprisingly palatable, even charming man.

   • 1813, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice:

     "What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished society."

2. delightful in a playful way which avoids responsibility or seriousness, as if attracting through a magical charm

• (pleasant): charismatic, smart, witty
• (delightful): silly

• (pleasant): dull
• charmless

charming

1. present participle of charm

charming (plural charmings)

1. The casting of a magical charm.
   • Thomas Middleton

     They denied me often flour, barm and milk, / Goose-grease and tar, when I ne'er hurt their charmings, / Their brewlocks, nor their batches, nor forespoke / Any of their breedings.

• marching