pendulum

noun

pen·​du·​lum ˈpen-jə-ləm 

ˈpen-dyə-, 

-də-

1

: a body suspended from a fixed point so as to swing freely to and fro under the action of gravity and commonly used to regulate movements (as of clockwork)

2

: something (such as a state of affairs) that alternates between opposites

doesn't take much to swing the pendulum of opinion the other way

Examples of pendulum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The whole episode, Kyle is a pendulum swinging between anger and sadness, between lashing out and injuring Amanda, and looking to be the victim. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 13 May 2026

In many schools, the pendulum has swung too far toward constant screen use, which can undermine attention, deep thinking and social development. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

And the labor market pendulum could swing. —Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 3 May 2026

The study introduces a novel method for controlling quantum harmonic oscillators — systems that mimic vibrating objects such as springs or pendulums at the subatomic level. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, noun derivative from neuter of Latin pendulus pendulous

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pendulum

• Foucault pendulum

Kids Definition

pendulum

noun

pen·​du·​lum ˈpen-jə-ləm 

: a body hung from a fixed point so as to swing freely back and forth under the action of gravity

Etymology

from scientific Latin pendulum "something suspended so as to swing freely," from Latin pendulus "suspended," from pendēre "to hang" — related to depend, perpendicular