magnetosphere

noun

mag·​ne·​to·​sphere mag-ˈnē-tə-ˌsfir How to pronounce magnetosphere (audio)
-ˈne-
: a region of space surrounding a celestial object (such as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field so that charged particles are trapped in it
magnetospheric
mag-ˌnē-tə-ˈsfir-ik How to pronounce magnetosphere (audio)
-ˈsfer-, 
-ˌne-
adjective

Examples of magnetosphere in a Sentence

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.
If our eyes could see it, Jupiter’s magnetosphere would appear bigger than the full moon in the sky! — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2026 The strength of any display will depend on how the incoming solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere, including changes in speed and magnetic orientation. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Space hurricanes occur in the Earth’s ionosphere and magnetosphere near the magnetic poles, where streams of energetic particles interact with the atmosphere. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 June 2026 The magnetic field strength is similar to that of Jupiter, and Neptune’s magnetosphere extends out to far greater distances than the gap between GJ 436 and its planet. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnetosphere

Word History

Etymology

magneto- + -sphere

Note: Term introduced by the Austrian-born physicist Thomas Gold (1920-2004) in "Motions in the Magnetosphere of the Earth," Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 64, no. 9 (September, 1959), pp. 1219-24.

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnetosphere was in 1959

Rhymes for magnetosphere

See All Rhymes for magnetosphere

Browse Nearby Words

magnetoresistance
magnetosphere
magnetostatic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Magnetosphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetosphere. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

magnetosphere

noun
mag·​ne·​to·​sphere mag-ˈnēt-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r How to pronounce magnetosphere (audio)
-ˈnet-
: a region of space around an object (as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field

More from Merriam-Webster on magnetosphere

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about magnetosphere

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