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.
Geophysicists have long speculated that the weakening of the magnetic field could signal a potential geomagnetic reversal, in which the planet’s north and south magnetic poles swap places. Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025 Every 11 or so years, the sun’s magnetic poles flip, causing solar activity to increase. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 16 Jan. 2025 In 2019, scientists released the WMM one year early, because the magnetic pole was moving much faster than usual. Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025 The telescope will also be able to measure an unprecedented number of pulsars—spinning stellar remnants that beam electromagnetic radiation out along their magnetic poles. IEEE Spectrum, 28 Nov. 2017 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

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Magnetic pole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetic%20pole. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!