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

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
School leaders also launched new magnet programs focused on aerospace, sports performance and technology. — Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 The Outdoor Contact Sensor is IP66-rated for harsh weather, featuring a stronger magnet for gates, sheds, and detached garages. — Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Unlike traditional districts, RESC magnet operators have no local tax base and cannot levy property taxes when costs rise. — Leonard Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026 The magnets that hold the buds in place are a little too strong. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 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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