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

• allure
• animal magnetism
• appeal
• attractiveness
• captivation
• charisma
• charm
• duende
• enchantment
• fascination
• force field
• glamour
• glamor
• magic
• oomph
• pizzazz
• pizazz
• seductiveness
• witchery

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

In between all the stars in our galaxy, there is a vast, diffuse mix of gas and dust known as the interstellar medium — and scientists have developed a new computer model to explore the magnetism and turbulence of this medium, in turn generating stunning images that resemble abstract works of art. —Victoria Corless, Space.com, 19 May 2025

Madrid have lost their mojo on the pitch, but not their magnetism in the transfer market. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 May 2025

According to Smith, Flagg could evoke the cultural and marketing magnetism once associated with Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 15 May 2025

Now another opportunity to experience her enduring magnetism enters the fold as Miami City Ballet premieres a new version conceived by high-profile Colombian-Belgian choreographer Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa. —Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025

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