siren song

noun

Definition of siren song

: an alluring utterance or appeal especially : one that is seductive or deceptive

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Examples of siren song in a Sentence

the opportunity for fame and fortune is the siren song that has long lured the ambitious to the big city

Recent Examples on the Web

But the siren song of an oversize single lens reflex (SLR) camera proved difficult to resist. Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, "What is the best camera for a family vacation? The one you have with you in the moment," 15 July 2019 Americans against the illiberal siren song, but the norm-watching political scientist in him can’t help being worried. Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, "In ‘The People vs. Democracy,’ Trump Is Just One Populist Among Many," 14 Mar. 2018 Soon, bristles also succumbed to the siren song of synthetics. National Geographic, "How your toothbrush became a part of the plastic crisis," 14 June 2019 But unlike most magicians, Diaconis eventually found his way into academia, lured by an even more powerful siren song: mathematics. Quanta Magazine, "For Persi Diaconis’ Next Magic Trick …," 14 Apr. 2015 The lumpy, grey compression socks call my name like a mermaid’s taunting siren song to a weary sailor. Elise Taylor, Vogue, "What It’s Like to Take the Longest Flight in the World," 26 Oct. 2018 Jonas, too, was not immune to the siren song of #brands. E.j. Dickson, Vox, "The controversy over Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’s wedding, explained," 5 Dec. 2018 Here, our 11 favorite places to throw down a towel and enjoy the city’s multiple beach personalities, from the siren song of South Beach to private beach clubs on Mid-Beach and on to nature and bike trails along Key Biscayne. Paul Rubio, Condé Nast Traveler, "Best Beaches in Miami," 12 June 2018 Amika doesn’t rely on the marketing siren song of exotic ingredients. Ashley Weatherford, The Cut, "Meet Your New Favorite Curl Products," 25 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'siren song.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of siren song

1568, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for siren song

siren song

noun

English Language Learners Definition of siren song

: something that is very appealing and makes you want to go somewhere or do something but that may have bad results