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
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Noun
The case originates from a change in admissions policy that began a decade ago, when a consulting group was hired to evaluate how the school system chose students for its middle school magnet programs. — Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026 Many magnets are nearly all students of color because few white students apply. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Researchers also highlighted that critical materials such as copper and rare earth magnets are essential components in the electric motors that power transportation, manufacturing systems and energy infrastructure. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026 Los Angeles would become a magnet for Black refugees from the Jim Crow South, who sought the opportunities that Mason and her neighbors made possible. — Literary Hub, 15 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

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 21 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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