magnet

1 of 2

noun

mag·net ˈmag-nət

Synonyms of magnet next

: lodestone

: 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

: something that attracts

a box-office magnet

magnet-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or magneto-

: magnetic force

magnetometer

: magnetism : magnetic

magnetoelectric

magneton

: magnetoelectric

magnetoresistance

: magnetosphere

magnetopause

Example Sentences

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Still Getting Their Kicks For Sneakerheads, eBay has been a magnet from the get-go. —

Sanford Stein, Forbes, 7 May 2023 Climate & Environment This dirt parking lot in the San Gabriel Mountains is a magnet for migrating birds April 17, 2023 As of this week, however, animal health officials were still studying how to use a poultry vaccine on condors, including those that soar over the Sierra Nevada range. —

Louis Sahagún, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2023 This Utah city is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts who flock to the area to hike, raft or just to admire the scenic drives. —

Tamara Gane, Chron, 1 May 2023 The Denver airport is a magnet for conspiracy theories — and a case study in the line between mass delusion and fun. —

Tiffany Hsu, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2023 During its run from 2013 to 2020 at The Standard, the 100-person-capacity nightclub (named for composer Giorgio Moroder) was a magnet for actors, musicians, fashion designers, models, directors and many more crème-de-la-crème folks who simply wanted a safe place to dance and let their hair down. —

Degen Pener, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Apr. 2023 History, heritage and the royals are the biggest draw for international tourists, Yates said, and royal pageantry is a particular magnet for Americans, who are driving the U.K.’s tourism recovery. —

Kelvin Chan, Fortune, 25 Apr. 2023 In industry jargon, what happened? 5 OF 8 Yellowstone National Park is a magnet for wolf watchers. —

Daniel Akst, wsj.com, 22 Apr. 2023 With a lively craft beer scene, easy access to various outdoor activities, proximity to the mountains, an international airport, and a strong workforce, the Mile High City is a magnet for young people. —

Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magnet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of magnet was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century