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

With candidates barred from consecutive presidential terms, the pendulum has swung back and forth since the alternating presidencies of socialist Michelle Bachelet – 2006-2010 and 2014-2018 — and conservative Sebastián Piñera – 2010-2014 and 2018-2022. —Andra B. Chastain, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025

Just as the design pendulum is swinging from minimalist spaces to a more personalized aesthetic, skinny artificial trees are being replaced by extra-thick greenery for a fuller, more festive look. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2025

None of that seemed to stop the pendulum from swinging. —Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 6 Dec. 2025

The Sand Pirates pirate ship silently swung like the pendulum on a grandfather clock. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Dec. 2025

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