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
To store it again, just bring it close to the base and the magnets will snap it back into place. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 July 2026 As for keeping your items safe, there’s a magnet closure at the top, and it’s also unlined, so the inside won’t show dirt. — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 Because a robot cannot yet dress itself, zippers, snaps, magnets and detachable modular pieces make each garment easy to put on, remove and maintain. — Sj Studio, Footwear News, 2 July 2026 Critics point to its lack of Qi2 charging, absence of tap-to-focus, and weak magnets requiring a separate sticker or case. — Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 5 July 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

See All Rhymes for magnet

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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of magnet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about magnet

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