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

Ellery Brown also worked for many years in Miami-Dade’s public school system, leading New World School of the Arts, a public magnet high school and college, from 1993 to 2007. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Most of the time, propulsion to the front wheels comes from a second electric motor, also connected to the eCVT; this permanent-magnet synchronous traction motor has an output of 203 hp (151 kW) and 201 lb-ft (272 Nm). — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026

Founded by Mario Tornel and Martha Silva in 1992 with family recipes from Tijuana and Chihuahua, the late-night spot became a community anchor and celebrity magnet. — Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Thanks to its neodymium magnets, the speaker delivers 28% more motor force and displaces 90% more air than previous versions. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 16 July 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