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

Turning to craft, there’s no better place than Ubud to marvel at the dazzling creative gifts of the Balinese, whose affinity for painting, woodcarving, and weaving, to name a notable few, is a defining element of the island’s magnetism. —Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

The magnetism of Rosemead House begins not inside, but at street level. —Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2025

Originally an intracity rivalry, Yankees-Dodgers is loaded with a magnetism that helped shape and define baseball history. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 May 2025

If each card had its own compass needle, its magnetism would be in a new orientation once each card hit the ground. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 23 May 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