magnet

noun

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mag·net | \ ˈmag-nət

Definition of magnet

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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-

combining form

variants: or magneto-

Definition of magnet- (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : magnetic force magnetometer

2 : magnetism : magnetic magnetoelectric magneton

3 : magnetoelectric magnetoresistance

4 : magnetosphere magnetopause

Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing magnet Learn More About magnet

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 Elementary students can also apply to magnet schools and programs. — Olivia Krauth, The Courier-Journal, 2 May 2022 Officials created magnet schools and drew more white kids to the district’s traditionally Black and Latino campuses with special academic programs. — New York Times, 28 Apr. 2022 The school also earned the number one spot among magnet schools nationwide. — Trisha Powell Crain | Tcrain@al.com, al, 26 Apr. 2022 Today there are many public school options, including charter and specialized magnet schools. — Winnie Sun, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 This includes seats in Open Choice, magnet schools and other Choice programs. — Seamus Mcavoy, Hartford Courant, 10 Apr. 2022 The interdistrict program is now known as the Choice program, which allows some Hartford students to attend suburban schools or a growing network of magnet schools. — Seamus Mcavoy, courant.com, 3 Apr. 2022 The school was part of an explosion of magnet schools under Carvalho’s tenure, reflecting his belief that districts should offer families a menu of options. — Paloma Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2022 The school would not be cherry-picking students based on an entrance exam, as New York’s top magnet schools did. — Jay Mathews, Washington Post, 31 Oct. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'magnet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for magnet

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

Learn More About magnet

Dictionary Entries Near magnet

magnesium sulfate

magnet

magnet-

Statistics for magnet

Last Updated

10 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Magnet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnet. Accessed 21 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for magnet

magnet

noun

mag·net | \ ˈmag-nət

Kids Definition of magnet

: a piece of material (as of iron, steel, or alloy) that is able to attract iron

magnet

noun

mag·net | \ ˈmag-nət

Medical Definition of magnet

: 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