momentum

noun

mo·​men·​tum mō-ˈmen-təm How to pronounce momentum (audio)
mə-
plural momenta mō-ˈmen-tə How to pronounce momentum (audio)
mə-
or momentums
1
: a property (see property sense 1a) of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass (see mass entry 2 sense 1c) and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity
broadly : a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force or moment
2
: strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events
The wagon gained momentum as it rolled down the hill.

Examples of momentum in a Sentence

The company has had a successful year and hopes to maintain its momentum by introducing new products. The movie loses momentum toward the end.
Recent Examples on the Web There is momentum now, in a time of rising gun injury and death, to know more. Christine Spolar, NPR, 6 Mar. 2024 The Irishman probably benefits from momentum, playing a real person and enthusiasm for his film, which will lead to coattail votes. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 Although Sanders still won California and Mr. Biden had a slim victory in Texas, the former vice president had enough momentum going forward and ended up winning the nomination. Caroline Linton, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2024 Canada had momentum after winning gold in the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, but went out after the group stage in last year’s World Cup. Damian Calhoun, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2024 Most of its songs begin with more force and momentum than just about any Western rockers can muster and only accelerate from there. Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 4 Mar. 2024 Since then, the trends have shown GOP momentum here as Trump used his four years as president to win over Cuban-American voters and shift his role from Republican insurgent to the undisputed leader of the Republican Party. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2024 Using the 14th Amendment to derail Trump’s candidacy has always been seen as a legal longshot, but gained significant momentum with a win in Colorado’s top court in December, on its way to the US Supreme Court. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 Those other sources of revenue grew at only 8 percent last year, though momentum may be picking up ahead of the IPO. Paresh Dave, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'momentum.' 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

New Latin, from Latin, movement

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of momentum was in 1610

Dictionary Entries Near momentum

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

momentum

noun
mo·​men·​tum mō-ˈment-əm How to pronounce momentum (audio)
plural momenta -ˈment-ə How to pronounce momentum (audio) or momentums
1
: the characteristic of a moving body that is caused by its mass and its motion
2

Medical Definition

momentum

noun
mo·​men·​tum mō-ˈment-əm, mə-ˈment- How to pronounce momentum (audio)
plural momenta -ˈment-ə How to pronounce momentum (audio) or momentums
: a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity
broadly : a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force

More from Merriam-Webster on momentum

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