magnet

1 of 2

noun

mag·​net ˈmag-nət How to pronounce magnet (audio)
Synonyms of magnetnext
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 of magnet

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Noun

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Examples of magnet in a Sentence

Noun the giant theme park is a magnet for tourists to the area
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The big difference between the M-Grip and other stands is that it's got two big ol' magnets. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026 The nation needs an ample supply for semiconductors, quantum and super computing, and superconducting magnets, added Robertson, who oversees the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation. — Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026 The task force became a magnet of congressional Republican criticism during the Biden investigation and was disbanded in February 2025 by then-Atty. — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Under the hood, there's a dual-core processor, a Bluetooth radio, and a sensor that detects whether your door is open or closed without an external magnet sensor. — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnet

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnet was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing magnet

Rhymes for magnet

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Browse Nearby Words

magnesium sulfate
magnet
magnet-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Magnet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnet. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

magnet

noun
mag·​net ˈmag-nət How to pronounce magnet (audio)
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 How to pronounce magnet (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on magnet

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about magnet

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