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

While Farmiga is a great performer, the show is at its weakest during her scenes, which don't have the same depth of meaning and magnetism that Heizer and his fellows bring during the military drills. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025

There’s a magnetism to the pull. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2025

Hours of imaginative play came from building, spinning, and discovering how magnetism works. —Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025

Your ruling planet also enters your sign this month, amplifying everything from your charm and magnetism to your desire for love and romance. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 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