magnetism

noun mag·ne·tism \ ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 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

Morby says of the singer’s chest-hair-baring magnetism.

— laura regensdorf, Vogue, "Musician Kevin Morby Wants Everyone to Know He’s a Crybaby," 12 June 2018
Several people who helped him remarked on his magnetism.

— krista torralva, San Antonio Express-News, "Teen overcomes tragedies, homelessness to graduate from high school," 29 May 2018
To determine what’s going on with the EmDrive, though, the group needs to enclose the device in a shield made of something called mu metals, which will insulate it against the planet’s magnetism.

— National Geographic, "NASA's 'Impossible' Space Engine Tested—Here Are the Results," 22 May 2018
Kamen praises Kratochvil's work but then points to some of the challenges the technology may face moving forward, for example the fact that magnetism is effective over only short distances.

— larry greenemeier, Scientific American, "The Dean of Invention: Segway Mastermind Probes Sci-Tech's Future [Video]," 21 Oct. 2010
The two-year survey used small Twin Otter planes, sensors detecting gravity and magnetism, as well as radar and laser altimeter tools.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Three Giant Antarctic Valleys Found Hidden Under Ice," 25 May 2018
Flanagan cannot quite make Ziggy’s magnetism or sinister influence plausible, but the novel, with its switchbacking recollections and cyclical dialogue, its penetrating scenes of birth and, eventually, death, is enigmatic and mesmerizing.

— joan acocella, The New Yorker, "Briefly Noted," 19 May 2018
Astronomers want to understand how magnetism, gravity, and turbulence interact to prompt star formation in molecular clouds.

— daniel clery, Science | AAAS, "Scientists just 3D imaged the birthplace of stars—using sound," 10 May 2018
But that anecdote describes the magnetism of Keith Urban on closing night of the 2005 Indiana State Fair.

— david lindquist, Indianapolis Star, "Lindquist: 20 unforgettable nights across 20 years of writing about Indianapolis concerts," 4 May 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

See Words from the same year

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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