magnetism

noun

mag·​ne·​tism ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm 

1

a

: a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force

b

: a science that deals with magnetic phenomena

2

: an ability to attract or charm

Synonyms

• attractiveness
• charm
• appeal
• fascination
• attraction
• charisma
• seductiveness
• glamour
• sweetness

Examples of magnetism in a Sentence

Much of his success as a politician can be attributed to his personal magnetism.

she managed to win the election by sheer magnetism

Recent Examples on the Web

Come for July’s Monaco Art Week to attend a gathering that attracts elite collectors and curators with the same magnetism as the famous casino that draws roulette players. —AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025

According to an international team of researchers, the strength of these early magnetic fields was similar to the magnetism produced by human brain neurons. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025

Directed by Conclave’s Edward Berger and costarring Fala Chen, Alex Jennings, Adrienne Lau, Jason Tobin and Tilda Swinton, Ballad of a Small Player released a tantalizing trailer with minimal dialogue that showcases Farrell’s endlessly watchable magnetism. —Jack Smart, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Even posthumously, his magnetism endures—celebrities like Yo-Yo, Jewell, and now Mariah Carey have publicly expressed admiration or affection for the late rapper, further cementing his legacy not just as an artist, but as a cultural heartthrob. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing magnetism

• animal magnetism

Rhymes for magnetism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

magnetism

noun

mag·​ne·​tism ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm 

1

a

: the property of attracting certain metals or producing a magnetic field as shown by a magnet, a magnetized material, or a conductor carrying an electric current

b

: the science that deals with magnetic occurrences or conditions

2

: the power to attract or charm others

Medical Definition

magnetism

noun

mag·​ne·​tism ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm 

: a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force