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

He-Man's base of operations is Castle Grayskull, the focal point of Eternia's magic, and the obsession of Skeletor, who'd really like to relocate from his own Snake Mountain lair. —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 3 Mar. 2026

Hulu and Freeform are hoping that Baskin can sprinkle some of that magic on Love Thy Nader, which follows the gregarious Nader, a former Sports Illustrated models known for her outlandish love life, and her sisters Mary Holland, Grace Ann and Sarah Jane. —Peter White, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2026

Adjective

At this point, there isn’t a magic potion that’s going to turn the Horns into a stone wall on that end. —Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 26 Feb. 2026

Far from merely giving orders, directors are participants in a social reality in which the most important results aren’t the naked-eye ones of deeds achieved but the magic infinitesimal moments that expand into big-screen spectacles. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 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

From here, The Conjuring will still have to magic up a significant sum to beat that high, but it’s already done it once. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025

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