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

Noun

• attraction
• draw
• lodestone
• loadstone

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

The United States has long benefited from being a magnet for global talent. —Ilona Limonta-Volkova, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Golden Gate Park, which sits in the city's center and was a magnet for rock and theater performances of all kinds in the '60s, will host three shows by Dead & Company – the name given to what remains of the original band plus current guests – at the park's Polo Fields Aug. 1, 2 and 3. —Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 22 May 2025

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Type: Medium to moist, rich Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.2) USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9 This North American native member of the mint family is a pollinator magnet. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 May 2025

The California coastline has no shortage of incredible options, but here are two that are easygoing, have gorgeous views and are less chaotic than the usual tourist magnets. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2025

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