polarity
noun
po·lar·i·ty
pō-ˈler-ə-tē 
pə-,
-ˈla-rə-
plural polarities
1
: the quality or condition inherent in a body that exhibits opposite properties or powers in opposite parts or directions or that exhibits contrasted properties or powers in contrasted parts or directions : the condition of having poles
2
: attraction toward a particular object or in a specific direction
3
: the particular state either positive or negative with reference to the two poles or to electrification
4
a
: diametrical opposition
b
: an instance of such opposition
Examples of polarity in a Sentence
the polarity of the candidates' views on the issue means that the voters have a clear choice to make
Recent Examples on the Web
The polarity of opinion led to infighting in the stands on that final Sunday and a fractured support existing between apathy and rage ever since.
—
Carl Anka, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Like an actual magnet, Earth has polarity, meaning the strength of the magnetic field is concentrated at the poles, which is why the aurora is normally most visible at the poles of the earth.
—Molly Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 June 2025
In fact, the Solar Orbiter’s high-latitude observations have already shown that the magnetic field at the Sun’s south pole is currently showing north and south polarity at the same time — a messy combination that occurs as the magnetic field flips, at the time of the Sun’s solar maximum.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2025
Once that happens, a single polarity should slowly build up over time at the poles as the sun heads toward its quiet solar minimum phase, according to ESA.
—Denise Chow, NBC news, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarity
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Carl Anka, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Like an actual magnet, Earth has polarity, meaning the strength of the magnetic field is concentrated at the poles, which is why the aurora is normally most visible at the poles of the earth.
—Molly Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 June 2025
In fact, the Solar Orbiter’s high-latitude observations have already shown that the magnetic field at the Sun’s south pole is currently showing north and south polarity at the same time — a messy combination that occurs as the magnetic field flips, at the time of the Sun’s solar maximum.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2025
Once that happens, a single polarity should slowly build up over time at the poles as the sun heads toward its quiet solar minimum phase, according to ESA.
—Denise Chow, NBC news, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarity
Cite this Entry
“Polarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarity. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polarity
noun
po·lar·i·ty
pō-ˈlar-ət-ē
pə-
plural polarities
1
: the condition of having poles and especially magnetic or electrical poles
2
: attraction toward a particular object or in a specific direction
Medical Definition
polarity
noun
po·lar·i·ty
pō-ˈlar-ət-ē, pə-
plural polarities
1
: the quality or condition inherent in a body that exhibits contrasting properties or powers in contrasting parts or directions
2
: attraction toward a particular object or in a specific direction
3
: the particular state either positive or negative with reference to the two poles or to electrification
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share