magnet

1 of 2

noun

mag·​net ˈmag-nət 

1

a

: lodestone

b

: a body having the property of attracting iron and producing a magnetic field external to itself

specifically : a mass of iron, steel, or alloy that has this property artificially imparted

2

: something that attracts

a box-office magnet

magnet-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or magneto-

1

: magnetic force

magnetometer

2

: magnetism : magnetic

magnetoelectric

magneton

3

: magnetoelectric

magnetoresistance

4

: magnetosphere

magnetopause

Synonyms of magnet

Noun

• attraction

Examples of magnet in a Sentence

Noun

the giant theme park is a magnet for tourists to the area

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Rare earth metals come to mind, magnets come to mind, and all the gears and actuators and chips and so forth. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Fan Week attracts a few more families because of Kids’ Day, but the tournament as a whole has become a magnet for professionals who embrace the late-night matches and after-hours social culture. — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 21 Aug. 2026

Malibu has always been a magnet for celebrities, but lately billionaires and technology executives and members of the ultrawealthy have settled there. — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Record-breaking profit margins for fuel refineries have also acted like a magnet to keep crude at home — a trend that will be exacerbated by the administration’s push this week for even higher refinery runs. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English magnete, from Anglo-French, from Latin magnet-, magnes, from Greek magnēs (lithos), literally, stone of Magnesia, ancient city in Asia Minor

Combining form

Latin magnet-, magnes

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing magnet

• field magnet
• magnet-fish
• magnet fishing
• magnet school
• permanent magnet
• refrigerator magnet

Rhymes for magnet

• magnate
• electromagnet
• ferromagnet

Kids Definition

magnet

noun

mag·​net ˈmag-nət 

1

: a piece of some material (as the mineral iron oxide) that is able to attract iron

especially : a mass of iron or steel so treated that it has this property

2

: something that attracts

the magnet of fame

Medical Definition

magnet

noun

mag·​net ˈmag-nət 

: a body having the property of attracting iron and producing a magnetic field external to itself

specifically : a mass of iron, steel, or alloy that has this property artificially imparted