magnet

1 of 2

noun

mag·​net ˈmag-nət How to pronounce magnet (audio)
1
a
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

Examples of magnet in a Sentence

Noun the giant theme park is a magnet for tourists to the area
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The Biden administration is giving millions of dollars to groups doing fascinating early-stage work to figure out ways to recycle the rare-earth-laden magnets inside wind turbines. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 This mailbox comes in four different color options, plus three different finishes for the customizable address numbers that attach to the front of the mailbox via magnets. Samantha S. Thorpe, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2024 The seam in the middle of the run draws them in like a magnet. Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 7 Mar. 2024 The trains and accessories connect together by magnets, which is great for autistic children who enjoy lining things up. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024 What this means is that by organizing itself properly to make money in a creative way, this airline has been able to create a work environment that acts as a magnet for the kind of employees needed to generate lasting profitability. Peter Georgescu, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Olivarez said that site became a magnet for migrants seeking to surrender to U.S. authorities and claim a fear of persecution, hoping to get released and avoid deportation. Nick Miroff, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 The school was also ranked No. 2 for the best magnet high schools and No. 26 for the best public high school teachers in NC. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 21 Feb. 2024 In 2022, the duo went a step further, opening their own magnet high school in Leimert Park: the Iovine and Young Center. Merle Ginsberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magnet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near magnet

Cite this Entry

“Magnet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnet. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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

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