magnetic pole

noun

1
: either of two small regions which are located respectively in the polar areas of the northern and southern hemispheres and toward which a compass needle points from any direction throughout adjacent regions
also : either of two comparable regions on a celestial body
2
: either of the poles of a magnet

Examples of magnetic pole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Like any magnet, Earth has a north and south magnetic pole, aligning roughly with the globe’s geographic poles. — Marissa Grunes, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2026 Moving magnetic poles Over the course of the solar cycle, the Sun’s magnetic poles move. — Yeimy J. Rivera, The Conversation, 20 May 2026 In North America, farther away from the magnetic poles, the northern lights can sometimes be seen from March to November if the conditions are perfect for viewing. — Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 24 Dec. 2025 Space hurricanes occur in the Earth’s ionosphere and magnetosphere near the magnetic poles, where streams of energetic particles interact with the atmosphere. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnetic pole

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnetic pole was in 1701

Rhymes for magnetic pole

See All Rhymes for magnetic pole

Browse Nearby Words

magnetic pickup
magnetic pole
magnetic potential
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Cite this Entry

“Magnetic pole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetic%20pole. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

magnetic pole

noun
1
: either of two small regions of the earth which are located near the North and South Poles and toward which a compass needle points
2
: either of the poles of a magnet

More from Merriam-Webster on magnetic pole

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about magnetic pole

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