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magnetic north
noun
: the northerly direction in the earth's magnetic field indicated by the north-seeking pole of a compass needle
Examples of magnetic north in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Like the Earth, the sun has magnetic north and south poles—but unlike Earth, those poles flip positions every 11 years.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2024
Give him a relentless work ethic, an addiction to risk and a moral compass that puts his own interests at its magnetic north pole.
—Will Oremus, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2023
But magnetic north doesn’t line up perfectly with true north, the point where the Earth’s axis hits the surface (and above which the North Star sits).
—Julie Rehmeyer, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2018
The best place to see the northern lights is in what's called the auroral zone — the region of the northern hemisphere within an approximately 1,500-mile radius of the magnetic north pole.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for magnetic north
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magnetic north.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1812, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near magnetic north
Cite this Entry
“Magnetic north.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetic%20north. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
magnetic north
noun
: the northerly direction in the earth's magnetic field indicated by the north-seeking pole of a compass needle
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