magnetic
Americanadjective
-
having the properties of a magnet.
-
capable of being magnetized or attracted by a magnet.
-
pertaining to the magnetic field of the earth.
the magnetic equator.
-
exerting a strong attractive power or charm.
a magnetic personality.
- Synonyms:
- captivating, charismatic, persuasive
-
noting or pertaining to various bearings and measurements as indicated by a magnetic compass.
magnetic amplitude;
magnetic course;
magnetic meridian.
adjective
-
of, producing, or operated by means of magnetism
-
of or concerned with a magnet
-
of or concerned with the magnetism of the earth
the magnetic equator
-
capable of being magnetized
-
exerting a powerful attraction
a magnetic personality
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of magnetic
From the Late Latin word magnēticus, dating back to 1625–35. See magnet, -ic
Explanation
Things that are magnetic are attracted to metal. Also, people with charisma are called magnetic. If everything is attracted to you, whether you’re a refrigerator door or a rock star, you’re magnetic. Magnetic literally refers to something that attracts metal, like iron or steel. Refrigerator doors are magnetic, so magnets stick to it. Also, someone who is very popular and attracts people has a magnetic personality. A powerful speaker who attracts many fans has a magnetic way of speaking. Magnetic people make you want to get closer, like you’re being pulled by their magical magnetic force. Both senses of magnetic have to do with attraction.
Vocabulary lists containing magnetic
Waves and Wave Properties - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Waves and Wave Properties - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Electricity and Magnetism - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These form where magnetic fields penetrate the material, creating small regions surrounded by circulating electrical currents.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026
The elements that make up our planet help determine processes such as plate tectonics, the generation of its protective magnetic field, and the movement of essential chemicals into the atmosphere, oceans, and soil.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 14, 2026
Initially, the researchers had planned to introduce the magnetic flux as a fixed background condition.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 13, 2026
Within the team's simulated lattice gauge theory, this entangled state represented magnetic flux passing through the center of the loop.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 13, 2026
“Hale is a man of magnetic personality,” the Tribune reporter wrote.
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
![]()
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.