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

Over millions and billions of years, the drag from a star’s magnetic field slows its rotation, and in fact, the astronomers found that stars with stronger magnetism tended to rotate more slowly. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026

The new study suggests that a crystal’s size could provide that missing common measure when researchers search for unconventional magnetism. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

By definition, an It girl is someone with an ineffable quality—culturally relevant, with that unique blend of beauty, confidence, and magnetism that can’t be taught or bought. — Sarah Michelle Gellar, Time, 30 Sep. 2026

Putting his lean and sinewy physicality to disquieting use, McNairy makes Wilson both unreadable and coldly transparent, giving him equal parts menace and magnetism. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 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