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.
Getty Images Key Facts Forecasters at NOAA predicted a Kp index of five out of nine for Tuesday, indicating the aurora could appear brighter and more visible further south from Earth’s magnetic north pole. Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2026 Using magnetic traces from ancient pieces of Earth’s crust, researchers found that a chunk of what is now Western Australia drifted toward the magnetic north pole over a few million years, as part of South Africa remained stationary. Marissa Grunes, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2026 Until the last reversal -- 773,000 years ago -- our planet's magnetic north pole was near the geographic south pole. CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026 The strength of Earth’s magnetic field fluctuates, and, at times, the magnetic north and south poles have flipped. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 7 Jan. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Magnetic north.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetic%20north. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

magnetic north

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