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

It's designed to offer a satisfying and calming shuffling motion, guided by a strong magnet and a seamless sliding track on the inside. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2026

Carol's Capitol Bookstore in downtown Little Rock was a magnet for me and many other bibliophiles, a welcoming retreat that encouraged people to stay and read a while. —Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026

California is still a magnet for the ambitious entrepreneur, and the drafters of the initiative have tried to preserve its allure. —Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026

What’s more, Greenland is rich with oil and rare earth minerals, like neodymium and dysprosium, which can be used to make objects like smartphones and magnets, among others. —Jessica Schladebeck, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 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