-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
The equatorial low-velocity zone could act as sort of lens, focusing the magnetic field lines into a bipolar field with a magnetic north and a magnetic south.
—David Bressan, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024
Like the Earth, the sun has magnetic north and south poles—but unlike Earth, those poles flip positions every 11 years.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2024
Give him a relentless work ethic, an addiction to risk and a moral compass that puts his own interests at its magnetic north pole.
—Will Oremus, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2023
But magnetic north doesn’t line up perfectly with true north, the point where the Earth’s axis hits the surface (and above which the North Star sits).
—Julie Rehmeyer, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2018
See all Example Sentences for magnetic north
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1812, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near magnetic north
Cite this Entry
“Magnetic north.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetic%20north. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
magnetic north
noun
: the northerly direction in the earth's magnetic field indicated by the north-seeking pole of a compass needle
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share