magnetic

1 of 2

adjective

mag·​net·​ic mag-ˈne-tik How to pronounce magnetic (audio)
1
: possessing an extraordinary power or ability to attract
a magnetic personality
2
a
: of or relating to a magnet or to magnetism
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by the earth's magnetism
c
: magnetized or capable of being magnetized
d
: actuated by magnetic attraction
magnetically adverb

magnetic

2 of 2

noun

: a magnetic substance

Examples of magnetic in a Sentence

Adjective a cult leader who attracted followers with his magnetic gaze
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
As long as the bolts are steel (most are), these magnetic inserts drop right in and prevent an Allen wrench from fitting into the bolt head. Matt Jancer, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2023 This gorgeous tote from Madewell is crafted with a luxe leather and features a magnetic closure at the top of the bag, complete with a functional interior pocket and a convenient shoulder strap that can be extended to crossbody length. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2023 It’s all contained nicely in a magnetic case that’s easily stored out of sight when not in use. Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 22 Nov. 2023 Our terrestrial magnetic field is formed when heat energy from molten iron in Earth’s outer core is converted into electrical and magnetic energy. Maddie Bender, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2023 All three models come with a 3-inch touchscreen, a 140-degree wide-angle lens and a magnetic mount. Kurt Knutsson, Fox News, 18 Nov. 2023 This puzzle is made of magnetic triangles that kids can rotate and fold to create more than 70 shapes. Bridget Shirvell, Parents, 18 Nov. 2023 That’s why this magnetic board is such a genius find. Samantha Booth, Rolling Stone, 16 Nov. 2023 The shapes are magnetic and stick to the case, which showcases the designs and keeps them from slipping. Korin Miller, wsj.com, 15 Nov. 2023
Noun
The main wreckage was about 127 feet from the impact crater along a 347⁰ true bearing (335⁰ magnetic) and consisted of the empennage/tailboom, both engines, avionics boxes, and portions of the cockpit instrument panel. New York Times, 7 Feb. 2020 Mars once had a protective magnetic shield like Earth does. Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 25 Feb. 2020 The Pro Trek also uses a proprietary magnetic charging cord, which is cool—just don’t lose it. The Editors, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2020 The performance was classic Lizzo: high-energy, magnetic, and just so fun. Christopher Rosa, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2020 The students can keep their phones with them but can’t access them without a special magnetic unlocking mechanism. Sarah Krouse, WSJ, 20 Jan. 2020 His magnetic, easy-going, fun-loving personality, electric smile and thoughtful answers add to the attraction. Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2019 To put the whole picture together, the researchers also compiled a handful of existing magnetic records based on seafloor sediment cores and ice cores. Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, 11 Aug. 2019 Mesmer applied this same magnetic therapy to Österlin and pronounced her cured. National Geographic, 5 Mar. 2019 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnetic was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near magnetic

Cite this Entry

“Magnetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetic. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

magnetic

adjective
mag·​net·​ic
mag-ˈnet-ik
1
: having great power to attract
a magnetic personality
2
a
: of or relating to a magnet or magnetism
b
: of or relating to the earth's magnetism
the magnetic meridian
c
: capable of being magnetized
d
: working by magnetic attraction or repulsion
magnetically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

Medical Definition

magnetic

1 of 2 adjective
mag·​net·​ic mag-ˈnet-ik How to pronounce magnetic (audio)
1
: of or relating to a magnet or to magnetism
2
: of, relating to, or characterized by the earth's magnetism
3
: magnetized or capable of being magnetized
4
: actuated by magnetic attraction
magnetically adverb

magnetic

2 of 2 noun
: a magnetic substance

More from Merriam-Webster on magnetic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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