What does glamour mean?
Glamour names the compelling, often sophisticated attractiveness of a person, place, object, or event. It is especially associated with beauty, elegance, fame, luxury, and spectacle, as in the phrase “old Hollywood glamour,” but it can also describe any quality that captures attention or admiration. In ordinary use, the noun is usually uncountable and positive, conveying charm that feels polished or glamorous. In criticism, however, glamour may imply a constructed or superficial image, suggesting that appearance matters more than substance. Its history begins in Scottish usage, where it originally referred to adorning or making attractive. As an adjective, glamour is less common than glamorous but is used in phrases such as “a glamour shoot.” A rare verb meaning “to make glamorous” also exists. Overall, glamour captures not merely beauty, but the social and theatrical allure created by style, display, and self-presentation.
The sophisticated or exciting attractiveness of a person, thing, or occasion, especially as conveyed by beauty, elegance, or spectacle.
"She brought an effortless glamour to the evening."
Usually uncountable when referring to the quality of being glamorous.
Glamorous; attractive or impressive in a dazzling, polished way.
"The magazine was famous for its glamour portraits of leading actresses."
Chiefly British and less common than the adjective glamorous.
To make glamorous or attractive.
"The designer glamoured the otherwise plain room with silk and candlelight."
Rare, and chiefly associated with British and Scottish usage.
The plural is rare; the uncountable singular is standard when referring generally to the quality of being glamorous.
"The exhibition presented the separate glamours of fashion, film, and stage performance."
Born in Scottish speech, glamour began life as a verb meaning “to adorn” before becoming the name of dazzling allure.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does glamour come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century from Scottish glam, meaning “to adorn” or “to make attractive.” Its modern family includes forms such as glamorous, glamourous, and glamorously, while the unprefixed adjective and verb are especially associated with British and Scottish usage. The name became strongly associated with theatrical beauty, luxury, and the dazzling appeal of celebrity.
Related word forms
How glamour is actually used
The noun usually has a positive, sophisticated tone, though it can be ironic when referring to surface display or careful self-presentation. The attributive adjective and the verb are relatively uncommon; glamorous and glamorize are the usual everyday forms.
Easily confused with glamour
Glamor is the usual American spelling, while glamour is chiefly British; both forms represent the same word.