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

Made from the milk-like substance secreted in late pregnancy and the first few days of breastfeeding, colostrum—normally only consumed by infants and other baby mammals, like calves—is being touted as a magic bullet for adults. —Audrey Bruno, SELF, 7 Nov. 2025

The opera tells the story of a forester who makes a deal with the devil for magic bullets. —Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Nov. 2025

But experts warn against viewing it as a magic bullet. —Lauryn Higgins, Time, 4 Nov. 2025

And in cybersecurity, it’s being pitched as the magic bullet that will finally let defenders keep up with attackers. —Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 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