magnet

1 of 2

noun

mag·​net ˈmag-nət 

1

a

: lodestone

b

: a body having the property of attracting iron and producing a magnetic field external to itself

specifically : a mass of iron, steel, or alloy that has this property artificially imparted

2

: something that attracts

a box-office magnet

magnet-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or magneto-

1

: magnetic force

magnetometer

2

: magnetism : magnetic

magnetoelectric

magneton

3

: magnetoelectric

magnetoresistance

4

: magnetosphere

magnetopause

Synonyms

Noun

• attraction
• draw
• lodestone
• loadstone

Examples of magnet in a Sentence

Noun

the giant theme park is a magnet for tourists to the area

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Furthermore, creative hubs serve as magnets for talent. —Paolo Petrocelli, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

The magnet helps keep my phone in place, too — even during rough turbulence. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2024

After all, Bey-and-Tay moments have been reliable magnets for attention since the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, when Kanye West famously interrupted an acceptance speech by Swift to declare that Beyoncé deserved the prize for best female video. —Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024

In 2002, The Standard, Downtown LA, opened in the former Superior Oil Company Building, with the venue becoming a magnet for Hollywood’s elite and feature prominently in many film and TV shows, including Get Him to the Greek and Entourage. —Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English magnete, from Anglo-French, from Latin magnet-, magnes, from Greek magnēs (lithos), literally, stone of Magnesia, ancient city in Asia Minor

Combining form

Latin magnet-, magnes

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing magnet

• field magnet
• magnet-fish
• magnet fishing
• magnet school
• permanent magnet
• refrigerator magnet

Kids Definition

magnet

noun

mag·​net ˈmag-nət 

1

: a piece of some material (as the mineral iron oxide) that is able to attract iron

especially : a mass of iron or steel so treated that it has this property

2

: something that attracts

the magnet of fame

Medical Definition

magnet

noun

mag·​net ˈmag-nət 

: a body having the property of attracting iron and producing a magnetic field external to itself

specifically : a mass of iron, steel, or alloy that has this property artificially imparted