kinetic

adjective

ki·​net·​ic kə-ˈne-tik How to pronounce kinetic (audio)
also
kī- How to pronounce kinetic (audio)
1
: of or relating to the motion of material bodies and the forces and energy associated therewith
2
a
b
: dynamic, energizing
a kinetic performer
3
: of or relating to kinetic art
kinetically
kə-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce kinetic (audio)
 also  kī-
adverb

Did you know?

Ever watch a top spin? Or see one pool ball collide with another and send it across the felt? When you do, you’re witnessing kinetic energy—the energy of something in motion. Kinetics is a branch of science that deals with the effects of forces upon the motions of material bodies, and something described as kinetic has to do with the motion of material bodies and the forces associated with them. Both words were adopted in the 19th century from the Greek word kinētikos (meaning "of motion") for use in the field of physics, but the adjective kinetic proved too apt for broader application, and by the 1930s it was being used to describe people and things full of literal and figurative energy as well.

Examples of kinetic in a Sentence

the novel's plot is kinetic and fast-paced, and its effect on the reader is much like that of a surfeit of caffeine the loft district is the locus of the city's kinetic arts scene
Recent Examples on the Web This is not meant to be glib, or not really; there was true mastery in the act, utter focus and kinetic intuition. Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2024 Along with her technical skills, Tupper’s multi-cultural experience, gift for ergonomic yet kinetic designs and sheer imagination make Cultus Artem jewels one of the more intriguing debuts during Paris Fashion Week. Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The idea of defensive weapons in space, both kinetic and directed energy, is no longer the stuff of science fiction. The Editors, National Review, 16 Feb. 2024 Christmas, Italian style: Little Italy hosts a Tree Lighting and Christmas Village from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W. Date St., with twinkle lights and 10-foot-tall nutcrackers decorating the neighborhood along with kinetic tree holiday displays on street corners. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Nov. 2023 John was a kinetic ball of incessant energy who pushed us all to up our stage game. Stephanie Mendez, SPIN, 2 Feb. 2024 The sequence also happens to show off Rivera’s stunning combinations, of both the kinetic and emotional varieties. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 31 Jan. 2024 Tuesdays through Sundays are filled things to do like sand play construction with kinetic sand, arts and crafts at the art studio. Kathy Buccio, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 The freeway was a dangerous, kinetic collage of spinning wheels and whirling, sparking hubcaps. Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kinetic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek kinētikos, from kinētos, from kinein — see -kinesis

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kinetic was in 1864

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Dictionary Entries Near kinetic

Cite this Entry

“Kinetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kinetic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

kinetic

adjective
ki·​net·​ic kə-ˈnet-ik How to pronounce kinetic (audio)
kī-
: of or relating to the motions of material bodies and the forces and energy associated with them
Etymology

from Greek kinētikos "relating to motion," derived from kinein "to move" — related to cinema

Medical Definition

kinetic

adjective
ki·​net·​ic kə-ˈnet-ik How to pronounce kinetic (audio) kī- How to pronounce kinetic (audio)
: of or relating to the motion of material bodies and the forces and energy associated therewith
kinetically adverb

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