Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of magical
Explanation
Something magical seems to work by way of some mysterious, unseen force. If you had magical powers, you could make annoying people disappear or instantly fill your room with adorable kittens. Wizards and witches are know for their magical and sometimes evil powers. However, a gorgeous sunset or a perfect day at Disney World can also feel magical. Magical comes from the Greek magikos, (also "magical"), from magos, "member of the learned and priestly class," probably stemming from the Proto-Indo-European magh-, "to have power."
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.
During a hearing in March about San Francisco’s blackouts, city Supervisor Bilal Mahmood said autonomous cars are “a technological miracle” that he likened to one of “Cinderella’s magical carriages.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026
He broke out as a filmmaker with the 2018 film “Sorry to Bother You,” a magical ride about a Black telemarketer who excels by using a “white voice.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026
So it was an easy yes for Brown when Gerber asked her to be the voice of Sofia’s new magical creature teacher and flying derby coach Lady Saddlespur.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
"Our first kiss was magical," said Shona, who was a performing arts teacher when she signed up to the show.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
For years she had dreamed of seeing them perform, and naturally she had always imagined herself seated in the theater, like everyone else, but there was something magical about watching the dancers from backstage.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
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.
