magnetic north

noun

: the northerly direction in the earth's magnetic field indicated by the north-seeking pole of a compass needle

Examples of magnetic north in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For instance, right now, magnetic north aligns with the direction of north. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025 Since many navigation systems (like compasses) rely on the magnetic north pole for orientation, this shift could potentially have real-world impacts. Brett Tingley, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2025 For the best chance to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, viewers should move away from cities or other sources of light pollution and move closer to the Earth’s magnetic north pole. Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025 As the sun reaches peak activity — a phase known as the solar maximum — its magnetic poles flip, meaning the sun’s south pole becomes magnetic north. Denise Chow, NBC news, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnetic north

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnetic north was in 1812

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Magnetic north.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetic%20north. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

magnetic north

noun
: the northerly direction in the earth's magnetic field indicated by the north-seeking pole of a compass needle
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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