magic

SayMAJ-ik/ˈmæd͡ʒɪk/UK/ˈmad͡ʒɪk/

Pluralmagics (some meanings)

11 meanings of magic

1
sorcerynoununcountable
A special power, in stories or beliefs, to make impossible things happen using spells.
Like a recipe of words and actions meant to change the world around you.
In the old story, she used magic to turn the prince into a frog.
People once believed magic could bring rain during a long drought.
UsageSay by magic or use magic.
Similarsorcery, witchcraft, wizardry
2
mysterious appealnoununcountable
A special charm, skill, or mysterious way of working that produces impressive results.
Like a spark that makes everything come together just right.
There's a certain magic in the way she tells a story.
The team played with real magic in the final game.
UsageSay there's a magic to this place.
Similarcharm, allure
3
supernaturaladjective
Having special powers that seem to come from magic.
Like the special objects in fairy tales that can do impossible things.
The hero found a magic sword that glowed in the dark.
She wore a magic ring that made her invisible.
UsageBefore a noun: a magic wand. After is, magical is more natural: the wand is magical.
Similarmagical
4
art of illusionnoununcountable
Tricks that seem impossible, done to entertain people, like pulling a rabbit from a hat.
Like a puzzle where you can't see how the pieces fit, even though there's a real answer.
He studied magic and now pulls coins from behind people's ears on stage.
The kids loved the magic, especially the trick where a rabbit vanished from a hat.
UsageSay do magic or stage magic.
Similarconjuring, illusion
Note
5
adjective
Working so well that the results seem impossible.
Like a fix that works so well it feels too good to be true.
This cleaner has some magic formula that removes every stain.
There is no magic cure for the common cold.
UsageSay there is no magic cure.
Similaramazing
6
adjective
Having to do with tricks and illusions done to entertain people.
He bought a magic kit with cards and a fake thumb.
The magic show sold out within minutes.
UsageSay a magic show or a magic trick.
Similarmagical
7
a single spellnouncountable
A spell or magic power, such as a character's ability to cast spells in a game.
Like a single recipe of words and steps meant to make something happen.
My wizard ran out of magic in the middle of the battle.
"I am the master of mighty magics."
2017, Neil Gaiman, Norse MythologyHere, magics means particular spells or magical powers.
Note
8
adjectivecolloquial
Very good, enjoyable, or wonderful.
We had a magic time at the beach today.
That was a magic goal in the last minute.
Similarwonderful, brilliant, fantastic, amazing, terrific
Oppositeawful, terrible

Less common meanings

9
conjure upverbtransitive
To make or change something as if by magic.
Like waving a hand and making something appear out of nowhere.
She tried to magic the mess away before her parents got home.
Somehow he magicked enough chairs for everyone at the party.
UsagePast form: magicked. Often used with up, away, or into: magic up a meal, magic a problem away.
Similarconjure, transform
Note
10
adjective
Being a number or text written straight into code, with no name to explain it.
11
adjective
Used for special numbers of particles that make an atom's center very stable.

Practice

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Origin

It came through Old French and Latin from Greek 'magikós', meaning 'magical', from 'mágos', a magus. It goes back even further to Old Iranian.

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 4 facts

Magic came through Old French and Latin from Greek magikós. en.wiktionary.org
Greek magikós means magical. en.wiktionary.org
Greek magikós derives from mágos, meaning a magus. en.wiktionary.org
The word ultimately derives from Old Iranian. en.wiktionary.org