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.
Mr. Chandler certainly gets it, making Hal a wisecracking, long-suffering delinquent who’s as charming as he is insubordinate—not an original type, perhaps, but the actor makes his character the magnetic force of the whole series.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
The magnetic pull of RØZ — whose stage name is pronounced like the second syllable in “arroz” — cannot be overstated.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
And for those looking closely they may have seen small loops of pink gas called prominences following the Sun's turbulent magnetic field.
From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026
The mission will support Moon Base science goals by exploring Reiner Gamma's geomagnetic environment, an unusual magnetic feature on the lunar surface.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 11, 2026
Holmes was handsome, warm, and obviously wealthy, and he lived in Chicago, the most feared and magnetic of cities.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
Definitions 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.
