First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1magic
noun mag·ic \ˈma-jik\
: a power that allows people (such as witches and wizards) to do impossible things by saying special words or performing special actions
: tricks that seem to be impossible and that are done by a performer to entertain people
: special power, influence, or skill
Full Definition of MAGIC
1
a : the use of means (as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces b : magic rites or incantations
2
a : an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source b : something that seems to cast a spell : enchantment
3
: the art of producing illusions by sleight of hand
See magic defined for English-language learners
See magic defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of MAGIC
Middle English magique, from Middle French, from Latin magice, from Greek magikē, feminine of magikos Magian, magical, from magos magus, sorcerer, of Iranian origin; akin to Old Persian maguš sorcerer
Related to MAGIC
- Synonyms
- bewitchery, bewitchment, conjuring, devilry (or deviltry), diablerie, enchantment, ensorcellment, mojo, necromancy, sorcery, thaumaturgy, voodooism, witchcraft, witchery, wizardry
- Antonyms
- repulsion, repulsiveness
Other Occult Terms
Rhymes with MAGIC
2magic
adjective
: having the power to make impossible things happen : having supernatural power
: involving the skill of doing tricks that seem to be impossible
: capable of producing good results very easily
Full Definition of MAGIC
1
: of or relating to magic
2
a : having seemingly supernatural qualities or powers b : giving a feeling of enchantment
— mag·i·cal \ˈma-ji-kəl\ adjective
— mag·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
See magic defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MAGIC
14th century
3magic
verb
mag·ickedmag·ick·ing
Definition of MAGIC
transitive verb
: to produce, remove, or influence by magic
First Known Use of MAGIC
1906
MAGICAL Defined for Kids
1magic
noun mag·ic \ˈma-jik\
Definition of MAGIC for Kids
1
: the power to control natural forces possessed by certain persons (as wizards and witches) in folk tales and fiction
2
: the art or skill of performing tricks or illusions for entertainment
3
: a power that seems mysterious <The team lost its magic.>
4
: something that charms <They calmed us with the magic of their singing.>
2magic
adjective
Definition of MAGIC for Kids
1
: having or seeming to have the power to make impossible things happen <She chanted the magic words.>
2
: of or relating to the power to make impossible things happen <magic tricks>
3
: giving a feeling of enchantment <It was a magic moment.>
Learn More About MAGIC
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: magic bulletPrevious Word in the Dictionary: Magian All Words Near: magic
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up magic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).