magic

1 of 2

noun

mag·​ic ˈma-jik 

1

a

: the use of means (such as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces

b

: magic rites or incantations

2

a

: 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

magic

2 of 2

verb

magicked; magicking

transitive verb

: to produce, remove, or influence by magic

Synonyms of magic

Noun

• sorcery
• witchcraft

Examples of magic in a Sentence

Noun

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 on the Web

Noun

But when the whistle blows in the Mexican capital this afternoon, the magic of the World Cup can finally begin. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 11 June 2026

In addition to Dooley’s magic, Kaedan Ryan Friedholm both ended with two goals a piece, and Friedholm also had two assists. —Erik Anderson, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026

Verb

Her latest chart-toppers have held steady across Halloween week — a fitting flex for a pop sorceress who’s made chart magic her signature move. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2025

From here, The Conjuring will still have to magic up a significant sum to beat that high, but it’s already done it once. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1906, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing magic

• black magic
• by magic
• like magic
• magic bullet
• magic carpet
• magic formula
• magic lantern
• magic mushroom
• magic realism
• magic square
• magic touch
• magic wand
• magic word
• sympathetic magic
• work like magic
• work magic
• work one's magic

Rhymes for magic

• tragic
• pelagic

Kids Definition

magic

noun

mag·​ic

ˈmaj-ik

1

: the power to control natural forces that is possessed by certain persons (as wizards and witches) in folktales and fiction

2

a

: a power that seems mysterious

the magic of a great name

b

: something that charms

the magic of their singing

3

: the art or skill of performing tricks or illusions as if by magic for entertainment

magic adjective

magical

ˈmaj-i-kəl

adjective

magically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Etymology

Noun

Middle English magique "use of supernatural powers," from early French magique (same meaning), from Latin magice (same meaning), derived from Greek magikos "magical, relating to magi," from magos "Persian priest, sorcerer" — related to magi