magnetism

noun mag·ne·tism \ ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Definition of magnetism

1 a : 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

See magnetism defined for English-language learners

See magnetism defined for kids

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 of magnetism from the Web

The goal is to study the sun’s atmosphere, weather, and magnetism and figure out the mystery of why the sun’s corona (its atmosphere) is much hotter than its surface.

— brian resnick, Vox, "Summer is for meteor showers and stargazing. Here’s how to watch.," 22 June 2018
The research, conducted in cooperation with scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, will use a magnetometer on the spacecraft to attempt to understand how the rocks on the moon received their magnetism.

— yonat friling, Fox News, "Israel to launch its first spacecraft to the moon," 10 July 2018
The same goes for the Golden State Warriors, who won a third title in four years earlier this month and now find themselves with a chance to make the most of their unique magnetism in free agency – again.

— sam amick, USA TODAY, "Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza, Jamal Crawford? Warriors could make free-agency splash," 30 June 2018
People will feel this around you as your personal magnetism will be stronger than ever.

— rebecca gordon, Harper's BAZAAR, "How to Find Summer Romance According to the Stars," 21 June 2018
Radner always had a unique ability to light up a room and make everyone fall in love with her, and the film was a testament to that singular magnetism – an irrepressible positive energy that not even terminal cancer could dim.

— anna silman, The Cut, "Tina Fey Choked Up Paying Tribute to Gilda Radner Last Night," 19 Apr. 2018
Upon landing, the craft will relay photographs and collect data about the moon’s magnetism for research by Israel’s Weizmann Institute.

— Washington Post, "Israeli company plans lunar landing next year," 10 July 2018
Behind the camera, aided by Marden Dean’s cinematography, Baker keenly captures the beckoning magnetism of active waters, not to mention the searching souls — young and experienced — who gravitate toward its dangers.

— robert abele, latimes.com, "Simon Baker's coming-of-age surf drama 'Breath' effectively captures emotional turbulence," 7 June 2018
The sound seemed to exert a sort of feline magnetism.

— martin weil, Washington Post, "Firefighters use recording of cat’s meow to catch the elusive creature," 23 June 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.

First Known Use of magnetism

1616

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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magnetism Synonyms

MAGNETISM Defined for English Language Learners

magnetism

noun

Definition of magnetism for English Language Learners

: 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

MAGNETISM Defined for Kids

magnetism

noun mag·ne·tism \ ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm \

Definition of magnetism for Students

1 : a magnet's power to attract

2 : the power to attract others : personal charm

Medical Dictionary

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