magic

1 of 3

noun

mag·​ic ˈma-jik 

1

a

: the use of means (such as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces

b

: magic rites or incantations

2

a

: an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source

Both pitchers, although they are older, haven't lost their magic.

b

: something that seems to cast a spell : enchantment

… all the mystery, magic and romance which belong to royalty alone.

—J. E. P. Grigg

3

: the art of producing illusions by sleight of hand

entertained with acts of jugglery and magic

magic

2 of 3

adjective

1

: of or relating to magic

2

a

: having seemingly supernatural qualities or powers

b

: giving a feeling of enchantment

magic

3 of 3

verb

magicked; magicking

transitive verb

: to produce, remove, or influence by magic

Synonyms of magic

Noun

• sorcery
• witchcraft

Adjective

• enchanted
• charmed
• magical

Examples of magic in a Sentence

Noun

children who believe in magic

a book that explains how to do magic

Both pitchers, though they are older, haven't lost their magic.

Adjective

a magic potion that makes you able to fly

There is no magic solution to these problems.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As rehearsals descend into comic mayhem, and with the future of Willow Lodge at risk, Aubrey is forced to confront his own grief and rediscover the unexpected magic of friendship, community and Christmas cheer. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026

The common thought is that Boris is actually Doctor Strange, the magic-wielder being a logical choice for an appearance alongside Doom (or at least some evil variant of him). — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Adjective

At OpenAI, a special process—and a magic word—helps employees instantly cut through layers of bureaucracy and clear bottlenecks slowing things down. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026

But no matter the landscape, all of them felt especially peaceful during magic hour, when the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky turned a hazy shade of pink and there was no one else around, except my group, to see it. — Annie Daly, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

Verb

Her latest chart-toppers have held steady across Halloween week — a fitting flex for a pop sorceress who’s made chart magic her signature move. — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2025

And there’s hardly a deer hunter alive who doesn’t dream of taking a buck that eclipses that magic 200 number. — Scott Bestul, Field & Stream, 9 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

Middle English magique, from Middle French, from Latin magice, from Greek magikē, feminine of magikos Magian, magical, from magos magus, sorcerer, of Iranian origin; akin to Old Persian maguš sorcerer

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1906, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing magic

• black magic
• by magic
• like magic
• magic bullet
• magic carpet
• magic formula
• magic lantern
• magic mushroom
• magic realism
• magic square
• magic touch
• magic wand
• magic word
• sympathetic magic
• work like magic
• work magic
• work one's magic

Rhymes for magic

• tragic
• pelagic

Kids Definition

magic

noun

mag·​ic

ˈmaj-ik

1

: the power to control natural forces that is possessed by certain persons (as wizards and witches) in folktales and fiction

2

a

: a power that seems mysterious

the magic of a great name

b

: something that charms

the magic of their singing

3

: the art or skill of performing tricks or illusions as if by magic for entertainment

magic adjective

magical

ˈmaj-i-kəl

adjective

magically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Etymology

Noun

Middle English magique "use of supernatural powers," from early French magique (same meaning), from Latin magice (same meaning), derived from Greek magikos "magical, relating to magi," from magos "Persian priest, sorcerer" — related to magi