magic

play

noun mag·ic \ˈma-jik\

Definition of magic

1a : the use of means (such as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forcesb : magic rites or incantations
2a : 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

See magic defined for English-language learners

See magic defined for kids

Examples of magic in a Sentence

children who believe in magic
a book that explains how to do magic
Both pitchers, though they are older, haven't lost their magic.

Recent Examples of magic from the Web

Will Malzahn or Kelly recapture their magic, return to the big game and finish the job this time?

— kevin scarbinsky, AL.com, "AL.com All-Access: Which coach will join the national champions club next?", 6 July 2017
For the members of the Circle City Sidewalk Stompers clown band, magic happens when their musical antics make people laugh.

— barbara henry, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Musicians take clowning around at fair to new level", 28 June 2017
This is magic, shamanism, over which language and rational laws do not rule.

— leilah bernstein, Los Angeles Magazine, "This Ballet about Tchaikovsky Reveals the Musician’s Talent and Torment", 23 June 2017
And, north of the wall, Bran is still working his warg magic with the three-eyed ravens, while the Night's King and his White Walker army seem more destructive than ever.

— chelsea stone, Glamour, "The New 'Game of Thrones' Season 7 Trailer Is Truly a Song of Fire and Ice", 21 June 2017
Much of the magic in Creative Labs' library today comes from software enhancements.

— gordon mah ung, PCWorld, "Hands-on: Creative Labs' Sound BlasterX AE-5 ups the audio for gamers", 12 June 2017
Here’s hoping a refreshed marketing approach can return some of the magic.

— lara o’reilly, WSJ, "CMO Today: Uber Hires Chief Brand Officer; Ad Blockers Brush Off Chrome Filter Concerns; Macy’s Marketing Makeover", 7 June 2017
Food safety regulations require anyone handling raw or prepared food to wear gloves, but gloves aren’t magic.

— kathleen purvis, charlotteobserver, "The guy who handed you a sandwich also handed you money. Ick? Or OK?", 30 May 2017
Meet three women who owe their careers to a whole lot of Instagram magic.

— shannon barbour, Marie Claire, "How These 3 Women Used Instagram to Launch Their Own Brands", 2 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'magic'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of magic

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

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Occult Terms

augury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith

magic

adjective mag·ic

Definition of magic

1 : of or relating to magic
2a : having seemingly supernatural qualities or powersb : giving a feeling of enchantment

magical

play \ˈma-ji-kəl\ adjective

magically

play \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See magic defined for English-language learners

Examples of magic in a Sentence

a magic potion that makes you able to fly
There is no magic solution to these problems.

Recent Examples of magic from the Web

July 3 will feature a patriotic sing-a-long, July 10 will feature Reptile World, July 17 entertainment is still to be announced, July 24 will feature a magic show and July 31 will feature Touch-a-Truck.

— mary schneidau sullivan, Laurel Leader, "Public Works recycling competition rewards with $10 discount [Old Town Laurel]", 21 June 2017
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword PG13 Young King Arthur becomes the king of Camelot after pulling a magic sword from the legendary stone.

— guy hanford, Ramona Sentinel, "Flickers: What's at the movies?", 1 June 2017

Origin and Etymology of magic

see ¹magic

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

magic

verb mag·ic

Definition of magic

magicked

;

magicking

transitive verb
: to produce, remove, or influence by magic

First Known Use of magic

1906

MAGIC Defined for English Language Learners

magic

play

noun

Definition of magic for English Language Learners

: a power that allows people (such as witches and wizards) to do impossible things by saying special words or performing special actions
: tricks that seem to be impossible and that are done by a performer to entertain people
: special power, influence, or skill

magic

adjective

Definition of magic for English Language Learners

: having the power to make impossible things happen : having supernatural power
: involving the skill of doing tricks that seem to be impossible
: capable of producing good results very easily

MAGIC Defined for Kids

magic

play

noun mag·ic \ˈma-jik\

Definition of magic for Students

1 : the power to control natural forces possessed by certain persons (as wizards and witches) in folk tales and fiction
2 : the art or skill of performing tricks or illusions for entertainment
3 : a power that seems mysterious The team lost its magic.
4 : something that charms They calmed us with the magic of their singing.

magic

play

adjective mag·ic

Definition of magic for Students

1 : having or seeming to have the power to make impossible things happen She chanted the magic words.
2 : of or relating to the power to make impossible things happen magic tricks
3 : giving a feeling of enchantment It was a magic moment.