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 Phrases Containing magnetism Learn More About magnetism

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 As Finley, Hopkins displays his usual magnetism, even taking the opportunity to play one of his own musical compositions on piano. — Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 May 2022 Some viewers applauded her magnetism and dry humor; others found her personality grating and her lack of boundaries unforgivable. — The New Yorker, 22 May 2022 Charming as Street, who spiffs up Malcolm in Boston, the tenor Victor Ryan Robertson largely handles Elijah Muhammad’s muscular high lines but strains to convey his magnetism. — New York Times, 15 May 2022 The best authors, of poetry, music and even newsletters, can convey their personal story with a natural magnetism. — chicagotribune.com, 20 Apr. 2022 For all of Doug’s magnetism, success has nurtured an ugliness in him. — Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2022 Ault’s professor was also brother to Louis A. Bauer, the first director of the Carnegie Institution’s department of terrestrial magnetism, established in 1904. — Kimberly Bowker, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Mar. 2022 Based on the widely popular theory of animal magnetism proposed by Franz Mesmer at the end of the 18th century, Allix claimed that snails are particularly well suited to communicate by a magnetism-like force through the ambient medium. — Justin E. H. Smith, Wired, 3 Mar. 2022 And Thompson is an actor with the range and magnetism to forge yet another new perspective on a character irresistible to stage stars. — Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2022 See More

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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Learn More About magnetism

Dictionary Entries Near magnetism

magnetise

magnetism

magnetist

Statistics for magnetism

Last Updated

11 Jun 2022

Cite this Entry

“Magnetism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetism. Accessed 29 Jun. 2022.

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More Definitions for magnetism

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