magic bullet

noun

1

: a substance or therapy capable of destroying pathogens (such as bacteria or cancer cells) or providing an effective remedy for a disease or condition without deleterious side effects

2

: something providing an effective solution to a difficult or previously unsolvable problem

a magic bullet to stem voter apathy

Examples of magic bullet in a Sentence

There is no magic bullet to fix our educational system.

Recent Examples on the Web

Saying that any technology, AI included, is a magic bullet is like saying my frying pan will feed me breakfast. —John Sviokla, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

One wish is being granted: No one is waiting for a magic bullet in technology, including from solid state batteries that many experts now insist won’t be ready for automobiles until 2030 or later. —IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2023

Stone acknowledges that the mural is not a magic bullet. —Joe Rubin, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025

Selling off the vacant land won’t be a magic bullet that sparks development. —Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for magic bullet

• pullet

Medical Definition

magic bullet

noun

mag·​ic bul·​let ˈmaj-ik-ˈbu̇l-ət 

: a substance or therapy capable of destroying pathogenic agents (as bacteria or cancer cells) or providing a remedy for a disease or condition without deleterious side effects