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 of magnet

Noun

• attraction

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

Yiddish thrived, for example, in parts of Latin America – starting with Argentina, which was a magnet for immigrants at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. — Ilan Stavans, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026

The facility will combine the company’s proprietary magnet separation, rare earth recovery, and refining platforms at scale. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026

Sparkling blue seas, glamorous beach clubs and sleek coastal estates define the stunning Athenian Riviera scene that’s been a magnet for movie stars and jet-setters since its 1960s golden era. — Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

But their flyers, and the magnet program as a whole, is still a work in progress. — Austin Horn august 29, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for magnet

• magnate
• electromagnet
• ferromagnet

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