magnetism

noun

mag·​ne·​tism ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm 

1

a

: a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force

b

: a science that deals with magnetic phenomena

2

: an ability to attract or charm

Synonyms

• allure
• animal magnetism
• appeal
• attractiveness
• captivation
• charisma
• charm
• duende
• enchantment
• fascination
• force field
• glamour
• glamor
• magic
• oomph
• pizzazz
• pizazz
• seductiveness
• witchery

Examples of magnetism in a Sentence

Much of his success as a politician can be attributed to his personal magnetism.

she managed to win the election by sheer magnetism

Recent Examples on the Web

Porcelain War, through its beauty and the magnetism of its characters, offers another way to address this dilemma. —Simon Shuster, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025

On top of your magnetism charm, this presents you with the opportunity to deepen your connection with someone and alchemize your relationship — harness your power wisely. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025

Claire Nichols, a geologist at the University of Oxford who studies early Earth’s magnetic field, found records of ancient magnetism in Greenland rocks that were part of an ancient ocean’s crust. —Byrachel Berkowitz, science.org, 6 Feb. 2025

This disrupted the alternating pattern and resulted in a region of nonzero magnetism. —IEEE Spectrum, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing magnetism

• animal magnetism

Kids Definition

magnetism

noun

mag·​ne·​tism ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm 

1

a

: the property of attracting certain metals or producing a magnetic field as shown by a magnet, a magnetized material, or a conductor carrying an electric current

b

: the science that deals with magnetic occurrences or conditions

2

: the power to attract or charm others

Medical Definition

magnetism

noun

mag·​ne·​tism ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm 

: a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force