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

Untouched and undiscovered Tulum is not, but its magnetism is still manifest in its profound natural beauty, immense history, and pristine beaches with some of the whitest sand in the world. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026

While some were turned off by his tendency to be the loudest person in the room, others saw it as brash magnetism. —James D. Walsh, Curbed, 10 Mar. 2026

Physicists at The University of Texas at Austin have experimentally confirmed a decades-old theory describing how magnetism behaves in ultra-thin materials. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026

At Source puts seven years of joint practice and mutual magnetism to tape without dulling the dynamic buzz of their live sets. —Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Mar. 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
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

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