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.
But high school football games had a magnetic pull, and spectators consistently sold out the stadium, he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026
Magnetars provide a rare opportunity to search for this effect because their magnetic fields are powerful enough to make the predicted quantum behavior potentially observable.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 18, 2026
Researchers, including Dr. Marcus Lower from Swinburne University of Technology, investigated this long-standing quantum mystery by studying a magnetar, a rare type of neutron star that possesses the strongest magnetic fields known in the universe.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 18, 2026
In addition, the direction of that polarization remained tied to the magnetic field of 1E1547 in the same way seen in the radio observations.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 18, 2026
The magnetic force makes a comeback, this time repelling the Obayifo away from us.
From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer
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.
