Definition
The direction toward the north magnetic pole of the Earth, which is the point to which the north-seeking end of a magnetic compass needle points. Magnetic north differs from true north (the geographic North Pole) by an angular amount called magnetic variation, which changes depending on the pilot's location on Earth.
Plain English
It's the direction a compass needle points. It is not the same as the actual top of the globe — it's offset, and the size of that offset depends on where you are flying.
Context Anchor
Seen in navigation, compass use, runway numbering, and chart discussions of magnetic variation.
Derivation
From Latin magneticus, relating to a magnet, and the everyday word north. The phrase simply names the version of north that magnets respond to — as opposed to true north, which is the geographic pole.
Why Pilots Care
All magnetic headings and most navigation aids are referenced to magnetic north, so failing to distinguish it from true north produces course errors.
Grounding Statement
If you stand in one place with a compass, magnetic north is the direction the compass needle settles toward there.
Intuition Check
Magnetic north does not mean the top of the map or the geographic North Pole. It means the north direction shown by a magnetic compass at that location.
Example Sentence 1
The runway numbers on a chart are based on magnetic north, so a runway labeled 27 points roughly 270° on the compass.
Example Sentence 2
Sectional charts show all VOR radials measured from magnetic north.