magnetism

noun

mag·​ne·​tism ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm 

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

Synonyms of magnetism

• attractiveness
• charm
• appeal
• fascination
• attraction
• charisma
• seductiveness
• glamour
• sweetness

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

An avid book collector who scours bookshops for special editions like others hunt rare vinyl, Mazzotti is emphatic about their emotional magnetism, noting a rising appetite from creative agencies, artists, and families reimagining heirlooms. — Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

The research reveals that magnetism played a far greater role in the birth of the solar system than had previously been suspected. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Chamberlain was a Navy brat from the Midwest, who left the service to become a hairdresser in Chicago but was drawn with an intense magnetism toward the School of the Art Institute. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026

The Moon conjoins Venus in Libra and your 1st House of Self, highlighting your presence, style, mood, and personal magnetism. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing magnetism

• animal magnetism

Rhymes for magnetism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

Kids Definition

magnetism

noun

mag·​ne·​tism ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm 

1

a

: the property of attracting certain metals or producing a magnetic field as shown by a magnet, a magnetized material, or a conductor carrying an electric current

b

: the science that deals with magnetic occurrences or conditions

2

: the power to attract or charm others

Medical Definition

magnetism

noun

mag·​ne·​tism ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm 

: 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