magic bullet

noun

1

: a substance or therapy capable of destroying pathogens (such as bacteria or cancer cells) or providing an effective remedy for a disease or condition without deleterious side effects

2

: something providing an effective solution to a difficult or previously unsolvable problem

a magic bullet to stem voter apathy

Examples of magic bullet in a Sentence

There is no magic bullet to fix our educational system.

Recent Examples on the Web

Economic growth is no magic bullet. —Olivier De Schutter, Time, 27 Jan. 2026

Higher taxes on the wealthy do not constitute a magic bullet to resolve all the development challenges our communities face. —Gregory D. Squires, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2026

Enticing as the concept of a magic bullet for your microbiome is, eating well is the best strategy for long-term healthy change—and nothing else can really compare. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 12 Dec. 2025

While there's no magic bullet for longevity, there is some wisdom to be learned from this group—which is why UnitedHealthcare recently surveyed 100 of these older adults. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for magic bullet

• pullet

Medical Definition

magic bullet

noun

mag·​ic bul·​let ˈmaj-ik-ˈbu̇l-ət 

: a substance or therapy capable of destroying pathogenic agents (as bacteria or cancer cells) or providing a remedy for a disease or condition without deleterious side effects