noun
Uncommon
mag
MAG
Mag (noun) means Short, informal word for a magazine. Example: “She picked up a mag at the newsstand to read on the train.”
noun
1
Short, informal word for a magazine.
"She picked up a mag at the newsstand to read on the train."
"The gossip mags ran the story on their front covers."
"There was a pile of old mags on the waiting room table."
2
Slang for a magazine of ammunition that feeds a firearm.
"He swapped in a fresh mag before the drill continued."
"The soldier checked that the mag clicked firmly into place."
"He carried two spare mags in his belt pouch during training."
verb
1
Old slang meaning to chat or talk idly.
"They sat magging on the porch for hours."
"The old friends sat magging over tea until it got dark."
"Stop magging at the back and listen to what I'm saying."
How to use mag
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCasual short form of "magazine" — either the reading kind or the ammo kind.
Common mistake
Context decides the meaning: "gossip mag" is a publication, "reload the mag" is ammunition.
Common pairings
gossip mag
glossy mag
reload the mag
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like mag.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- mags
- Third person singular
- mags
- Past tense
- magged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She picked up a _____ at the newsstand to read on the train.
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
