mag
3 synonyms for mag, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Short, informal word for a magazine.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use mag
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
gossip mag
glossy mag
reload the mag
Etymology
The publication sense is a clipping of "magazine"; the older British dialect verb sense traces to "Mag," a pet form of the name Margaret, once associated with a talkative woman.
Full origin of mag →Frequently asked questions
What does “mag” mean?
The word “mag” means short, informal word for a magazine. In plain terms, casual short form of "magazine" — either the reading kind or the ammo kind.
How do you pronounce “mag”?
“Mag” is pronounced MAG (/ˈmæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “mag” in a sentence?
Here is “mag” used in a sentence: “She picked up a mag at the newsstand to read on the train.”
What part of speech is “mag”?
Depending on how it is used, “mag” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “mag” a common word?
“Mag” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mag” have?
“Mag” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: short, informal word for a magazine.
What is the difference between a mag and a magazine?
A mag is simply the short, informal form of magazine, used the same way in casual speech and writing. There is no difference in meaning, only in formality, with mag being the shortened, everyday version.
What does mag mean when talking about firearms?
When referring to firearms, mag is slang for a magazine, the ammunition-holding component that feeds cartridges into the gun. This is a distinct sense from the reading-material meaning of mag.
Is mag used in formal writing?
No, mag is an informal shortening and is generally avoided in formal writing, where the full word magazine is preferred. It is common in casual conversation, headlines, and everyday speech.
