gravity

noun, often attributive

grav·i·ty | \ ˈgra-və-tē

plural gravities

Definition of gravity

1a : dignity or sobriety of bearing a person of gravity and learning

b : importance, significance especially : seriousness the gravity of the offense

c : a serious situation or problem

2 : weight

3a(1) : the gravitational attraction of the mass of the earth, the moon, or a planet for bodies at or near its surface

(2) : a fundamental physical force that is responsible for interactions which occur because of mass between particles, between aggregations of matter (such as stars and planets), and between particles (such as photons) and aggregations of matter, that is 10^-39 times the strength of the strong force, and that extends over infinite distances but is dominant over macroscopic distances especially between aggregations of matter

— called also gravitation, gravitational force

— compare electromagnetism sense 2a, strong force, weak force

b : acceleration of gravity

c : specific gravity

Other Words from gravity Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about gravity

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Examples of gravity in a Sentence

the hospital waiting room was filled with the kind of gravity that inevitably accompanies worry

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, the existential horror of the Medium Place (boredom and a lack of cocaine) is treated with much more gravity than the possibility of eternal physical torment. — Tara Isabella Burton, Vox, "The (secular) gospel according to The Good Place," 5 Dec. 2018 The spacecraft did a flyby of Earth in September 2017, using our planet’s gravity to shift position and put the vehicle on the right path to the asteroid. — Loren Grush, The Verge, "After a two-year journey, a NASA spacecraft arrives at its target asteroid," 3 Dec. 2018 In fact, this tortuous trajectory necessitated gravity slingshots around Earth, Venus, Earth, and finally Earth again before moving toward the outer Solar System. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "A congressman’s loss clouds the future of two demanding missions to Europa," 3 Dec. 2018 Babies aside, weight and hormonal fluctuations, along with the inescapable forces of genetics and gravity, can also lend a relaxed look. — Jolene Edgar, Harper's BAZAAR, "Everything You Need To Know About The Non-Surgical Breast Lift," 17 Aug. 2018 Made with rose quartz, a gemstone that supposedly helps attract love and known as the universal stone of love, the tool is designed to be literally rolled onto the face — in upward motions, against gravity. — Madeline Fass, Allure, "Herbivore's Best-Selling Rose Quartz Face Roller Is Back in Stock at Sephora," 27 July 2018 Then, in October, a Soyuz rocket failed in flight, forcing the crew to make an emergency escape in a high-gravity maneuver. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "NASA concerned about culture of “inappropriateness” at SpaceX," 20 Nov. 2018 Harnessing Venus’ gravity, Parker will complete seven flybys over seven years to gradually bring its orbit closer and closer to the Sun. — Fox News, "NASA eyes stunning 'cloud city' airship concept to explore Venus," 16 Oct. 2018 Mesmerizingly intricate basketweave braids stole the show at Atlien, and at Thom Browne, hair skirted the notion of traditional plaits altogether with lopsided, gravity-defying rolled twists. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "The 6 Beauty Lessons To Steal Right Now From Paris Fashion Week," 3 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gravity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.