magnetism

noun

mag·ne·tism | \ ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm

Definition of magnetism

1a : a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force

b : a science that deals with magnetic phenomena

2 : an ability to attract or charm

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about magnetism

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Examples of magnetism in a Sentence

Much of his success as a politician can be attributed to his personal magnetism. she managed to win the election by sheer magnetism

Recent Examples on the Web

Other cities without New York City’s economic dynamism and magnetism have found other ways to grow. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "Big cities courting big tech helped define 2018," 18 Dec. 2018 In fact, your magnetism will be so powerful, don’t be surprised if your universe is infused with some serious flirtation. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What October's Cancer Horoscope Means for You," 30 Sep. 2018 Ciara is, without exaggeration, the picture of good health—with a warm, irresistible magnetism to boot. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "Ciara Reveals the 5 New Year’s Resolutions Behind That Body for 2019," 1 Jan. 2019 On Earth, volcanoes have a lot of destructive qualities but none of them are due to magnetism. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "The Moon's Most Mysterious Feature Now Has an Origin Story," 7 Sep. 2018 Kids can play with sound waves to see how musical instruments work, shoot an air cannon and explore magnetism by building with magnets. — Amy Schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Science CITY opens at Betty Brinn Children's Museum," 5 July 2018 What’s important is that in that equation — among all the variables at play, which include mass, velocity, gravitational pull, magnetism, and electricity — lies the Planck constant. — Brian Resnick, Vox, "The world is about to redefine the kilogram," 15 Nov. 2018 In the 1860s, Scottish mathematical physicist James Clerk Maxwell devised equations joining at the hip the phenomena of magnetism and electricity. — Adam Hadhazy, Discover Magazine, "Scientists Hunt for A Seeming Paradox: A Magnet With Only One Pole," 13 Nov. 2018 His playful magnetism was something Disney tried to recapture with Alden Ehrenreich in Solo. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Here's Harrison Ford Starring in 'Solo' Thanks to Deepfakes," 17 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'magnetism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near magnetism

magnetic wire

magnetic wire recorder

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Time Traveler for magnetism

The first known use of magnetism was in 1616

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More Definitions for magnetism

magnetism

noun

English Language Learners Definition of magnetism

: the property of attracting certain metals : the attracting property of a magnet

: a quality that makes someone able to attract and hold the interest of other people

See the full definition for magnetism in the English Language Learners Dictionary

magnetism

noun

mag·ne·tism | \ ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm

Kids Definition of magnetism

1 : a magnet's power to attract

2 : the power to attract others : personal charm

magnetism

noun

mag·ne·tism | \ ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm

Medical Definition of magnetism

: a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force