magnet

1 of 2

noun

mag·​net ˈmag-nət How to pronounce magnet (audio)
Synonyms of magnetnext
1
a
: lodestone
b
: a body having the property of attracting iron and producing a magnetic field external to itself
specifically : a mass of iron, steel, or alloy that has this property artificially imparted
2
: something that attracts
a box-office magnet

magnet-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or magneto-
1
: magnetic force
magnetometer
2
: magnetism : magnetic
magnetoelectric
magneton
3
: magnetoelectric
magnetoresistance
4
: magnetosphere
magnetopause

Synonyms

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of magnet in a Sentence

Noun the giant theme park is a magnet for tourists to the area
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Read Next Business Charlotte is a magnet for foreign businesses. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025 With interiors and exteriors designed by the likes of Thomas Heatherwick and Andre Fu, The Upper House scores high for aesthetics and has long been a magnet for celebrities and the fashion, entertainment and arts crowd passing through Hong Kong. — Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025 We’re honored and humbled to help ensure CHOP remains a magnet for the greatest medical talent, a refuge for those facing the most complex cases, an incubator for breakthrough treatments, a beacon of hope, and the pride of Philadelphia for decades to come. — Lauren Coates, Variety, 13 Mar. 2025 Ramirez-Rosa has been a magnet for it, in ways that could further irritate the city’s already-tender Black-Latino relations. — Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnet

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English magnete, from Anglo-French, from Latin magnet-, magnes, from Greek magnēs (lithos), literally, stone of Magnesia, ancient city in Asia Minor

Combining form

Latin magnet-, magnes

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnet was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing magnet

Rhymes for magnet

See All Rhymes for magnet

Browse Nearby Words

magnet
magnet-
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Cite this Entry

“Magnet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnet. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

magnet

noun
mag·​net ˈmag-nət How to pronounce magnet (audio)
1
: a piece of some material (as the mineral iron oxide) that is able to attract iron
especially : a mass of iron or steel so treated that it has this property
2
: something that attracts
the magnet of fame

Medical Definition

magnet

noun
mag·​net ˈmag-nət How to pronounce magnet (audio)
: a body having the property of attracting iron and producing a magnetic field external to itself
specifically : a mass of iron, steel, or alloy that has this property artificially imparted

More from Merriam-Webster on magnet

Nglish: Translation of magnet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about magnet

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